Read the unconventional preparation method before beginning!  They are moist and chewy and, most of all, easy!       

 Ingredients:

1. 1& 1/4 cups packed pitted dates
2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp
3. 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
4. 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
5. 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
6. 3/4 teaspoon salt
7. 1 large egg
8. 1 teaspoon vanilla
9. 1 & 1/2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
10. 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and prepare parchment line baking sheets 

1. Coarsely chop dates & set aside.
2. Coarsely chop walnuts, if using, & set aside.
3. In a 3  quart saucepan melt butter over low heat and remove pan from heat.
4. Add  brown sugar, stirring until smooth, and sift flour, baking soda, and salt      over butter mixture.
5. Lightly  beat egg in a cup and stir into the mixture along with the vanilla, oats, dates, and optional walnuts until swell combined.
6. Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart onto the baking  sheets.
7. Bake cookies on the middle rack of the oven until golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.*
8. Transfer cookies to racks to cool.

Yields:  About 2 dozen large cookies

Note:  * Cookies are always chewier if slightly undercooked!