Oatmeal Date Cookies with Cinnamon Cardamom Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Last night at 8pm, I wanted cookies. So... I made cookies! 

These chewy oatmeal cookies are adapted from Smitten Kitchen's "Thick, Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies." They also have a fun filling of cinnamon cardamom chocolate cream cheese frosting. Mmmmmmmmm.....

Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Stir this into the butter and sugar mixture. Stire in the oats and dates. Head over to 350F. Using 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop, scoop cookies onto parchment-lined trays, about a dozen per tray. Bake for 12-15 minutes depending on your oven. Edges should be golden. Let sit on hot baking sheet for a few minutes prior to transferring to a rack to cool. Store in airtight container. Make sandwiches with frosting recipe below!

Frosting

Ingredients

• 4 oz Neufchâtel cheese
• 1/2 stick of butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla with electric mixer until light and fluffy. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, cardamom, and cinnamon. Gradually add powdered sugar mixture, beating well until you reach spreading consistency. This makes approximately two cups of frosting. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.