Maple + Date Oatmeal Cookies

Maple + Date Oatmeal Cookies ⎮ happy hearted kitchen Maple + Date Oatmeal Cookies ⎮ happy hearted kitchen Maple + Date Oatmeal Cookies ⎮ happy hearted kitchen

The first few weeks of spring are one of my favorite times of year. For one, it’s my birthday, and while I’m not big on special celebrations, I’m always down for some good cake. Then, being a good canadian gal, spring means maple syrup and sugar shack season and all the sugar on snow. The days are longer and the sun is warmer and there is a certain smell of mud and old snow and new grass in the air that just makes my step a little lighter.

This spring is a particularly exciting one for us. On the first of May we are off on a 4 month adventure cycling up the west coast of France and then heading north to explore Scandinavia.  So, we’re slowly packing up our life here and minimizing our belongings in order to fit everything onto two wheels. While Matt is ordering various bike parts and organizing camping gear, I’m trying to figure out how many jars of tahini I can fit in my bag. (I’m thinking a solid 2 or 3?)

This trip has been a long time coming. We’ve been planning something like this since we met, first it was south america, and then it was a few months on the back of Matt’s motorcycle and then we swapped the bike for some real pedal bikes and decided to venture north. There will be camp fires and struggles and long days under the sun and discovering new places and meeting new faces and so many unknowns that I’m aching to discover. I’m struggling with how ‘connected’ to be during this trip, for sure there will be some fun campfire grub recipes coming at you and don’t worry mom + dad I will be sending update emails every now and then, but – so much of our travels nowadays are spent looking through a lens or on a phone in order to share or blog or instagram about, that we rarely savor moments just for ourselves. I think it will be good, soul good, to simply sit and take life in without trying to capture it in any which way. I think that keeping certain moments for ourselves and just having a story to bring home and show + tell should good enough too. So things might get a little quieter around this happy hearted kitchen during the summer months and I hope that’s ok.

I had a million things to do today, but instead I made cookies and read through my favorite passages from Cheryl Strayed. Good snacks + a little hard core motivation, I’m going to chalk that up as a successful afternoon. In the end, I guess this post was just a good excuse to eat cookies and to throw it out there to all of you that we would be more than happy to hear any of your travel tips or must sees in Norway, Sweden and beyond – we’re just two fools in love off on a journey of a lifetime, who knows where the road will take us. We are open to everything and anything, and have no particular itinerary, so long as there’s sunshine + sweet treats every now and then, we’ll be a couple of happy campers.

Maple + Date Oatmeal Cookies ⎮ happy hearted kitchen Maple + Date Oatmeal Cookies ⎮ happy hearted kitchen Maple + Date Oatmeal Cookies ⎮ happy hearted kitchen


MAPLE + DATE OATMEAL COOKIES

Maple cookies to celebrate spring + summer adventures! In France I discovered this glorious nut butter made from skinned almonds which has a much less ‘nutty’ taste than whole almond butter and is a total perfect base for absolutely any cookie flavor (Update: you can find it back home now too!). I made this little homemade jar of mixed spices, something similar to a gingerbread spice, that I love in these cookies, but feel free to use whatever you love or have on hand. The quantities below make 6 snack size cookies, but you could stretch it a little further if you are just looking for a small sweet treat.

Vegan + Gluten Free

Ingredients

1/2 cup nut butter (see note above)
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
Pinch flaky sea salt
3/4 cups large oat flakes
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons buckwheat flour
1/3 cup dates, pitted + chopped
1/2 teaspoon mixed sweet spice ( cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, star anise, etc. – whatever you have on hand or personal preference)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 175 C / 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium sized bowl, mix together nut butter, maple syrup and melted coconut oil until well combined. Add remaining ingredients and mix. If the batter is totally sticky and unworkable, add another 1/2 tablespoon of flour. The batter should be sticky but not wet and hold well together when rolled into a ball with your hands. Roll into 6 balls, place on baking sheet and gently flatten with your hand. Bake in the oven until just set, about 10-12 minutes, be careful not to over bake or the cookies will dry out. Let cool, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Keep in covered container for a few days, cookie texture will be a bit softer the second day – some might say they’re even better!


Let me in on your kitchen creations – tag your photos #happyheartedkitchen and share the love!

25 Comments

  • Reply
    sweet kabocha
    April 9, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    Wow, it has to be a wonderful adventure!! We’ill be in Provence from 6 to 16 July, but it’ll be a simple car travel :P

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      April 10, 2015 at 6:18 am

      Oh Provence is so lovely, Valentina! If you are anywhere near Les Gorges du Verdon and Moustier Sainte Marie, I really suggest spending a bit of time there- it’s absolutely beautiful! xo

      • Reply
        sweet kabocha
        April 10, 2015 at 6:23 am

        I saw some photos of Les Gorges du Verdon and I fell in love! We immediately decided to add it to our plan ^_^

  • Reply
    Cady Whicker
    April 9, 2015 at 11:32 pm

    You are living my fantasy summer. A few weeks back I said in the car to my love- “would you ever consider a long cycling trip somewhere?” and the answer was a whole hearted “Hell no!”. Ha!

    The flavors in these cookies are giving me all sorts of cozy feelings. I think I would like a giant one- if anyone can make a six cookie recipe three, it’s me. ;)

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      April 10, 2015 at 9:26 am

      Thanks Cady! I said exactly the same thing when my husband ask me a while back! But after having the idea turn in my mind for a little, I just couldn’t think of a better way to travel! So don’t write if off just yet! And I’ve definetly made this recipe and only ended up with three cookies – and then ate them for breakfast! Happy Friday xo

  • Reply
    Jessie Snyder | Faring Well
    April 10, 2015 at 12:40 am

    I am just over the moon and back excited for you two and cannot wait to see/hear about your travels (the ones you share, I’m right there with you on keeping some for yourself!). This is just going to be TO GOOD. So much to live and learn by out there on the road with one another. I love your sense of adventure!! And oh my goodness these cookies looks so buttery and flaky and chewy and PERFECT. Make sure to bring lots of these. I can totally see sandwiching a s’more between two of these babies too ;) big time high fives for being awesome!! And best of luck packing up your little place <3

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      April 11, 2015 at 6:37 am

      I hadn’t even thought of s’mores! I going to have to bake another batch now! haha! Thanks Jessie, you’re so right – there is so much out there to live and learn from, our departure date is getting real close now and I’m all full of emotions! BAH! Big high fives right back at you my dear, a bientot! xo

  • Reply
    Kathryn
    April 10, 2015 at 8:28 am

    What a fantastic adventure you guys are going to have! I can’t think of a better way to explore than on a bike and I can’t wait to follow along here and on instagram. And yeah for cookies!

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      April 11, 2015 at 6:34 am

      Thanks Kathryn! At first I wasn’t sold on the idea of 4 months on a bike, but after keeping the idea in my head for a little bit, I just couldn’t think of a better way to travel either! Hope you have a sunny weekend xo

  • Reply
    Shelley Ludman
    April 10, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    My heart is smiling so large right now! I am beyond thrilled for you and Matt and the adventure that lies ahead. I will miss you and your updates more then you know, but look forward to the stories (over wine of course) upon your return. Oh and these COOKIES. The moment passover ends, I’m whipping up a batch, and trying tahini this time. Much love, always xx

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      April 11, 2015 at 6:39 am

      Yes! Tahini is a must try, yum! Going to miss you too Shelley, but so much to look forward after the trip now too! Already excited for our catch ups! Love you xo

  • Reply
    Sus @Rough Measures
    April 12, 2015 at 9:23 pm

    Ah girl your writing constantly makes me weep happy little tears. You and Matt are going to have the most amazing time, and take away the best memories to tell people and (someday) little people. Wishing you all the positive energy for your adventure. I hope re-sixing your life into bags isn’t too stressful, (lemme know if you don’t want that kettle yar :P) Soak up the sunshine in Morzine for these last few weeks, I can’t wait to hear all about it. And would love to skype before you go if you have time. AND KEEP MAKING AMAZING COOKIES FOREVER PLEASE Cookie Queen! XXXXXX

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      April 13, 2015 at 6:28 am

      The kettle is all yours, Sus! Shall I leave it here for you just in case? Can’t believe how fast this winter has gone by, so full of emotion in these last few weeks, sort of bitter sweet sometimes. One last week at work, maybe one or two final batches of cookies, the end of an era and you were there at the very start! I’ll be in touch about skype, talk soon – big hugs xo

  • Reply
    Anna
    April 16, 2015 at 6:25 pm

    omg these look super scrumptiouuus yumm

    https://aspoonfulofnature.wordpress.com/

  • Reply
    Kale & Caramel
    April 25, 2015 at 3:01 am

    Jodi! I just discovered you through the byways of the blogosphere, and am so thrilled I did. Your photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are your recipes. YAY for new blogger friends!

    Your trip sounds incredible, too. What a perfect time of year to adventure, with the blossoming of newness all around you. ALSO, I adore Cheryl Strayed. As a writer, she’s been a tremendous inspiration. And I’ve absolutely devoured all of her new podcast (with Steve Almond), Dear Sugar. Highly recommend.

    So glad to connect! Have a super sweet weekend/mega packing time : ). xo/Lily

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      April 25, 2015 at 7:17 am

      Oh my goodness, thank you so much Lily! Your comment has me waking up with a big smile on my face! I am so happy you found me, because now I have found Kale + Caramel too! Your site is just bouncing with fresh energy! I love it!

      The trip is coming up fast, one week to go now and lots to do! ah! I’m going to check out those podcasts right now because I haven’t had a chance to listen to them yet and I could use a little motivation to get cleaning!

      Thank you again so much and happy weekend to you too! xo

      • Reply
        Kale & Caramel
        April 25, 2015 at 10:05 pm

        Yay! They’re so perfect for cleaning to (I’m kind of podcast obsessed—living alone, sometimes they’re just the perfect kind of company ;) ). And thanks so much for the kind works about K&C, Jodi! Totally made my day, too. Yay.

  • Reply
    Jennifer Adams
    June 15, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    Made these last week for my husband, and he gobbled them up SO quickly! He has been asking for them non-stop since! I managed to eat a cookie or two before he demolished them, and must say, they were quite superb! I was impressed a cookie could taste so good, and be made with such wholesome ingredients!

    I made a few alterations:

    I used Hazelnut flour instead of buckwheat, only a 1/4 cup of chopped dates, almond butter (for the nut butter), and nutmeg in my variation of your recipe (the rest of the ingredients were unchanged).

    Came out UNBELIEVABLY good! I have tried a lot of “healthier” cookies, and I just cannot believe how great these tasted. Hats off to the chef! & Thanks for sharing the recipe! My husband said he liked them better than chocolate chip cookies! :)

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      June 16, 2015 at 7:45 am

      Jen! You’re just my favorite! I love the addition of hazelnut flour here! Great idea! I am just giddu that you guys loved these cookies too, and, don’t worry, I have the same problem with my husband too! Best advice is to hide a few in the freezer for quiet tea time all to yourself. Thank you so much for taking the time to write! xo

  • Reply
    Emma @whatmakesgreat
    August 20, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    Hi Jodi. What a great blog – I’m not sure how I haven’t come across your site sooner. Wonderful photos, and all your recipes look delicious! I did notice the Instagram link on your homepage isn’t working, but I still managed to find you on there, and am now happily following along. Thanks for sharing. Emma @whatmakesgreat

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      August 21, 2015 at 7:08 am

      Ah thank you, Emma! I hadn’t noticed that so I appreciate you letting me know! Happy you took the time to write :) x

  • Reply
    AmLovesFood
    September 9, 2015 at 7:02 pm

    Just discovered your blog via the little virtual welcome home maple party some others are throwing you! And this recipe looks insaaane. Can’t wait to make these!

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      September 12, 2015 at 3:26 pm

      Oh thank you Amy! That party was absolutely the best way to touch down in Canada, those ladies are the best friends a girl could ask for. Now that I am back in the land of maple syrup, I’m thinking I might make these sometime soon too, thanks for saying hi! x

  • Reply
    Shirley Z.
    December 9, 2015 at 12:56 am

    Wow! Just found your blog and am in love with your recipes. They’re exactly the type of things I want in my belly RIGHT NOW :)

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      December 9, 2015 at 1:23 pm

      Oh thank you, Shirley! I am so glad to have you here! x

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