Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Gently fold in the chopped dates and optional nuts.

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.