desserts
The Cookie (Oatmeal Cookie with Coffee–Cinnamon Frosting)
A legendary family cookie made with oatmeal, brown sugar, coconut, walnuts, and dates — but what truly elevates it is the velvety coffee–cinnamon frosting that melts luxuriously into the warm, hearty crumb of the cookie. Known simply as “The Cookie” in the recipe’s family of origin, these soft, chewy oatmeal cookies carry sweet richness, warm spice, and a hint of coffee that creates an unforgettable aroma and taste.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 sticks butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup pitted, chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Coffee–Cinnamon Frosting
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
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Use an electric mixer to cream together 2 sticks butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
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Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until fully combined.
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Use a fine-mesh sieve to sift together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium mixing bowl.
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Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in two parts, mixing on low just until combined.
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Add 3 cups rolled oats, 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup chopped dates, and 1 cup chopped walnuts to the bowl and mix on low speed until evenly incorporated.
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Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. If chilled overnight, let the dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Scoop dough using a 1-tablespoon measure and place rounded balls onto a baking sheet.
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Use your palm to gently flatten each dough ball slightly so the cookies bake evenly.
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Bake the cookies at 350°F for about 12 minutes, or until set. Take care not to overbake. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before frosting.
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Make the frosting by using an electric mixer to cream together 6 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 cups confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
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Add 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons brewed coffee, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the butter–sugar mixture and beat until the frosting is creamy and fully incorporated.
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Use a broad butter knife to spread the frosting onto cooled cookies. Allow the frosting to set for 1 hour before storing or serving.
Notes
- If your dates are dry, briefly soak them in warm water and pat dry before chopping.
- These cookies freeze well both frosted and unfrosted.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add an additional teaspoon of brewed coffee to the frosting.