Year of Oats: February's Oatmeal, Date and Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Food Network Kitchen came up with 12 seasonal, healthy recipes that prove just how versatile the humble oat can be.
Food Network Kitchen’s Healthy Oatmeal, Date and Chocolate Chunk Cookies for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on Food Network.

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Food Network Kitchen’s Healthy Oatmeal, Date and Chocolate Chunk Cookies for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Renee Comet ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Renee Comet, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

If morning oatmeal is the only thing you’re making with hearty whole-grain oats, you’re missing out on a whole year full of delicious opportunity. Food Network Kitchen came up with 12 seasonal, healthy recipes that prove just how versatile the humble oat can be.

In February, try a healthy spin on a nostalgic favorite — the oatmeal cookie. Instead of featuring traditional raisins, these cookies are studded with dates and chocolate chunks. They certainly don’t taste “healthy,” which makes them the perfect way to avoid breaking any eat-better resolutions you made last month. Toasting the oats before adding them to the batter helps maintain a chewy cookie texture. Whip up a batch to enjoy as a fiber-filled afternoon snack, better-for-you dessert or Valentine’s Day treat. They even do the trick as an on-the-go breakfast.

Check out the full Year of Oats gallery for more inspiration.

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