Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Pulse the walnuts just until they form a meal consistency.

Remove them and process the dates until they are broken down and have a paste-like consistency.

Add back the walnuts, along with the remaining ingredients (minus the chocolate chips and candy canes).

Process the mix until smooth and well combined.

Place a sheet of parchment paper onto a baking sheet and spray a light layer of oil atop the paper.

Drop the cookie dough onto the paper, making about 10 cookies.

Use lightly damp hands to mold the cookies into flatter circles.

Top with a few chocolate chips, if desired.

Bake 10-12 minutes until the tops look set.

Cool and sprinkle the crushed candy canes onto the tops, if desired.