Coconut Oil Chocolate Orange Date Cookies

I decided to continue on with the coconut oil track (since I still have some left) with these coconut oil chocolate orange date cookies.  I made these coconut oil chocolate chip cookies and absolutely loved them, so I thought I would try them in chocolate form.  They turned out amazing.  They have a fabulous chocolate orange flavor to them, and the dates and mini chocolate chips are perfect!  I was a little bit worried that the dates would overpower the other flavors in the cookie, but they complemented the other flavors very nicely.  I like my cookies to be a little thicker than these turned out, so I might try adding 2 to 4 tablespoons of extra flour next time.  Also, one quick note: If you don't have or don't care to use coconut oil for these cookies or the regular coconut oil chocolate chip cookies, just substitute the same quantity of butter for the coconut oil.  So 1/2 cup of coconut oil would equal 1/2 cup of butter.  The texture will be a bit different, and the cookies won't spread as much, but they will still be delicious.

Coconut Oil Chocolate Orange Date Cookies

1 cup coconut oil (or substitute 1 cup butter)
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon orange zest
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
12 ounces chopped dates
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 400F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream together the coconut oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time (Yes Shauna, I did actually do this!), followed by the vanilla extract until incorporated.  Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.  Beat until just combined.  Stir in the dates and mini chocolate chips.

Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the dough into balls.  (At this point, you can freeze the cookie dough balls if you want.  When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on the baking sheet and bake as normal.  You may need to add 2 or 3 minutes to the bake time.  The frozen cookie dough will not spread as much, making a slightly thicker cookie, which I prefer).   Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, 2 to 3 inches apart (these will spread).  Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the cookies are just set in the center.  Remove cookies from the oven and let cool on the pan for several minutes.  Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.  Makes about 40 cookies.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy