Preheat your oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top and lightly spray the rack with nonstick spray.

Cut a small slit in each date, but do not cut all the way through. Remove any pit pieces if needed, then add about 3/4 teaspoon goat cheese to each one and pinch the dates closed gently.

Cut the bacon strips into thirds, wrap one piece around each stuffed date and secure it with a toothpick. Place the slit side up and tuck the bacon ends underneath.

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne to create the sweet spice coating.

Roll each wrapped date in the sugar mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks, then arrange them on the wire rack with bacon ends facing down.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked and crisp. Watch closely near the end to prevent the sugar from darkening too much. Let the dates cool for 5 minutes before serving.