Sticky Date Cookies (Paleo & SCD)

Sticky Date Cookies,

I was visiting my Mum and Dad on the weekend and was admiring my Mum's super organised pantry.  (Mine needs some serious work.)  Dad even showed me his special section for his treats. :)
These included fruit cake, Anzac biscuits and some Sticky Date Cookies from the supermarket.
I'd never heard of Sticky Date Cookies before, but thought they sounded like a fabulous idea.  My taste testers (Hubby & three teenagers) have LOVED testing these for me.  We've tried many variations, but this version is the winner.  They are moist cookies; sweet and chewy.  Very similar to sticky date pudding but easier to put in the lunchbox. :)

I just love taking the photos of my cooking, but I've got to say these aren't the best looking cookies I've ever made.  (Best looking cookie so far are my Lemon Cookies)
They TASTE unbelievable, just aren't very pretty.  Anyway, I hope you give them a try, you'll be pleased you did!

Sticky Date Cookies.
Prep time: 15 mins.
Cook time: 10 mins.
Makes:  16-24 cookies depending on size.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates
•  1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2+1/4 cups almond flour  
  
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder
• 1 egg

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 160 degrees Celsius (320F).
• Line two baking trays with baking paper.
• Place dates, coconut oil and honey into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat.
• Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 mins. 
• While that's cooking, combine almond flour, coconut flour and vanilla powder in a bowl.
• Remove date mixture from the heat and stir in baking soda.
• Stir date mixture into flours.
• Add egg and mix well.
• Scoop heaped tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls.
• Flatten onto baking trays with palm of hand and cook in oven for 10 mins.  (Keep an eye on them, don't overcook).
• Cool on trays.
• Try not to eat all at once. :)
• I like mine stored in the fridge.

A couple of notes:
The first few times I made these I chopped up the dates before heating with the oil and honey.  I've found, though, you really don't need to chop them before heating.  They break down on heating and when you add the baking soda and stir.  Usually you'd let the mixture cool before adding the egg and then flours.  I've found you can stir the date mixture into the flours and then add the egg last.  Much quicker! :)
These cookies don't change size or shape very much when cooked, so make them the size you'd like them to be when cooked.  My family prefers the large size. :)
Have you seen my new social media widget?  You can now easily subscribe for updates via email, Facebook, Twitter or Google +. :)