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Date Cookies Recipe

4.9 from 297 reviews

Deliciously spiced Date Cookies with a tender, buttery base mixed with chopped dates and pecans, offering a sweet, chewy, and nutty treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 ⅓ cups white sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pitted dates
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies.
  2. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to integrate them fully and create a smooth batter.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the creamed wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
  4. Incorporate Dates and Pecans: Mix the chopped pitted dates with the water, then fold this mixture along with the chopped pecans into the dough, ensuring even distribution of the fruits and nuts.
  5. Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 1 hour. This helps firm the dough for easier handling and enhances the flavors.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and grease the cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Form Cookies: Drop the dough by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them appropriately to allow spreading during baking.
  8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned but centers remain soft.
  9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set properly.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential for better texture and easier handling.
  • Ensure dates are pitted and chopped finely to distribute evenly through the dough.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
  • For a softer cookie, bake closer to 8 minutes; for a crisper cookie, bake up to 10 minutes.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.

Keywords: Date Cookies, spiced cookies, pecan cookies, homemade cookies, holiday cookies, date nut cookies