Adelaides
Delicious date and walnut cookies with a hint of oatmeal, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and crunch, ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the dates into three pieces.
- Cook half of the dates over low heat with 2 tablespoons water until soft.
- Let the date mixture cool.
- Cream together the brown sugar, white sugar, shortening, egg, and cooled date paste.
- Sift the flour, salt, and soda, then add to the creamed mixture. Beat until smooth.
- Mix in oatmeal if desired, then add the remaining dates and walnuts.
- Form the dough into balls, dip each in sugar, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using old-fashioned oats instead of instant. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or even sunflower seeds can work well as substitutes. To enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. For a twist, try incorporating chocolate chips, which would complement the dates nicely.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Laura'S Oatmeal Cookies for a delightful cookie platter. They also make a lovely treat for gatherings or as a sweet addition to lunchboxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Adelaides in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Adelaides contains roughly 113 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh dates instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh dates, but they have a higher moisture content. You'll want to reduce the amount of water in the recipe to avoid overly wet dough. Make sure to chop them finely for even distribution in the cookies.
What if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, making the cookies a bit richer and softer.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make these cookies healthier, you can substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added nutrition. Additionally, consider reducing the sugar by a quarter or using a sugar substitute to lower the calorie content.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).