old fashioned date cookies recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best old fashioned date cookies recipe

I’m so glad I can share this old-fashioned date cookies recipe with you all. It’s a family favorite that’s been passed down for generations, and I just love how it brings everyone together.

These chewy cookies are made with dates, sugar, butter, and spices, and they’re perfect for snacking on the go or serving at a family gathering. My kids adore them, and I love how they’re easy to make in big batches.

The best part is that they’re actually pretty healthy too – the dates add natural sweetness and fiber, making them a guilt-free treat for us all to enjoy. When I make these cookies, I like to use my grandmother’s old recipe book as a guide.

She got it from her mother, who was known for her baking skills in our community. The original recipe calls for brown sugar, but I prefer using white sugar instead – it gives the cookies a slightly lighter flavor that my family loves.

I also like to add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness. These changes may seem small, but they make all the difference in the taste and texture of the final product.

One thing I’ve learned from making these cookies is that patience is key – you want to make sure they’re nice and soft in the center before taking them out of the oven. If you do this, they’ll stay fresh for days and be perfect for packing in lunches or snacks on the go.

Old Fashioned Date Cookies

4.8 from 1162 votes

Old Fashioned Date Cookies are a classic treat that combines the rich, caramel-like flavor of dates with a tender, buttery cookie base. These cookies are perfect for a nostalgic snack or a delightful addition to any cookie platter.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped dates
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping

1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5The mixture should be pale and smooth.
6Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
7The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
8In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
9Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients gradually, mixing just until combined.
10Do not overmix.
11The dough should be thick and slightly crumbly.
12Fold in the chopped dates and vanilla extract.
13The dates should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
14Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
15The dough should form slightly domed mounds.
16Bake for 10-12 minutes.
17The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and slightly soft to the touch in the center.
18Avoid overbaking, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
19Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
20They should be firm enough to handle but still soft to the touch.
21Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
22In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
23Sprinkle the mixture over the cooled cookies, gently pressing it into the tops.
24The cookies should be evenly coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them. For a softer cookie, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

These old-fashioned date cookies are always a hit at family gatherings – whether we’re celebrating a birthday or just need a sweet treat after dinner. They’re so easy to make in big batches too!

For storage ideas, try keeping them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freezing them for up to 2 months. When reheating leftovers, just pop them in the microwave or oven until warmed through – they’ll still be soft and chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Date Cookies

What kind of sugar should I use in this recipe?

You can use either brown sugar or white sugar – both will give you a delicious result!

Can I substitute the dates with something else? While dates are an essential ingredient in this recipe, you can try substituting them with chopped dried apricots or raisins if you don’t have dates on hand.

How do I store leftover cookies? Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months – just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Why do you recommend using unsalted butter in this recipe? Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your cookies – if you’re using salted butter, omit the additional salt called for in the recipe.

Can I make these cookies vegan? While traditional date cookies use eggs and dairy products, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan-friendly by swapping out these ingredients with plant-based alternatives.

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