Fill a glass container with very hot water. (I heat about 2 cups in the microwave for about 1 ½ minutes.)
Add dates to water, cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 5-10 minutes. This softens the dates and makes them easier to puree. It's not necessary if the dates are very soft.
Remove dates from water and place in a small food processor along with 1 Tablespoon of water that the dates soaked in.
Pulse until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Add additional water to thin the consistency of the paste, if desired.
Set date "paste" aside.
Combine oatmeal, cocoa powder and coconut flakes in a medium sized bowl.
Add date paste, vanilla extract and almond butter to the dry mixture.