vegan dark chocolate chip cookies

Looking for a tasty, naturally sweetened dessert that's low calorie too?  Well, you are in luck!  This cookie tastes delicious and, due to the inclusion of dates, is exceptionally moist!  Oh, and did I mention that they are also gluten free? It only takes a few minutes to whip up these babies and you're set with dessert for the week.

What you need...
10 dates
2 tbsp water

1 cup rolled oats
1/4 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
1 1/2 to 2 tbsp light coconut milk

2 tbsp dark chocolate chips (I'd suggest making your own so they will be truly vegan - no dairy.  Check out this awesome blog on how to make your own chocolate!)


First...
Turn on the oven to 375°
Take the dates and blend them in a food processor for about 30 seconds.  Add the water at this point and mix again, it will make a type of thick "date paste".  Scrap this out and keep to the side (it'll be about 1/3 cup). 


Next...
After cleaning out the food processor (and drying it) process the oats and baking soda until they resemble fine crumbs.  Then add in the oil, coconut milk, and dates.  At this point, if you like sweeter cookies feel free to add in 1 to 2 tbsp of Agave or Zulka (cane sugar). 

Process all this (you may want to use the "pulse" button).  It will become dough like pretty quickly.  Using a wooden spoon, stir in the chocolate chips or other desired add-ins (listed below).

Finally...
Shape the cookies and bake them for 8 to 10 minutes.


Ideas...
There are a lot of options for add-ins to these cookies, these are just a few:

*2 tbsp White chocolate chips & 1 tbsp Macadamia Nuts
*2 tbsp Dried Cherries or Cranberries
*2 tbsp Almonds or Pecans

These additions will slightly change the nutrition info.