• 12 ounce package bacon strips (12 slices)
• 24 medjool dates, pitted (soak in water for 15 minutes, if firm, then drain)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 425 F. Cut the bacon strips in half crosswise. Separate each date in half lengthwise and fill each with one-half teaspoon of cream cheese. Wrap each date tightly with a half strip of bacon and set aside. On a small plate or shallow bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cocoa, chili powder, and cinnamon, then dip each bacon-wrapped date on both sides in the sugar mixture. Secure each bacon-wrapped date with a toothpick or skewer. Transfer the dates to a parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp; thicker bacon will take longer to cook.