Date Bar Cookie

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish and set it aside.

2. In a saucepan, combine the chopped dates and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates have softened and the mixture has thickened.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the date mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the crust.

4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring it's evenly distributed and pressed down firmly.

6. Spread the date mixture over the crust in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer.

7. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the date layer, gently pressing it down to create a topping.

8. Bake the Date Bar Cookies in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

9. Allow the Date Bar Cookies to cool in the baking dish for at least 15 minutes before cutting into bars. This will help them set properly.

10. Once cooled, cut the bars into your desired size and shape. Serve and enjoy these delectable Date Bar Cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee!