Apple And Date Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 72 Cuisine: American

Sweet and spicy apple and date cookies with a hint of cinnamon, perfect for snack time or sharing at gatherings, offering moist texture and flavorful bites.

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Ingredients

  • 5 cups flour
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup Crisco
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups diced dates

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except dates into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Beat with an electric mixer for 3 to 4 minutes at medium speed.
  3. Stir in diced dates.
  4. Drop large teaspoonfuls of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Press a half pecan into the center of each cookie.
  6. Bake at 325° or 350° for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on oven.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of Crisco. If you're out of applesauce, mashed bananas or pumpkin puree work as great substitutes. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the spice mix.

Serving Suggestions

These Apple and Date Cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a fun dessert platter, serve alongside Snowy Chocolate Bites and Helen's Ginger Creams. They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie exchange or as a sweet snack for after-school gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Apple And Date Cookies contains roughly 831 calories, with 4g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2783mg per serving (121% of the Daily Value).

831 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 1.3g 2% DV
Carbs 216g 79% DV
Fiber 10.4g 37% DV
Sugar 184.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2783.4mg 100% DV
Potassium 922.6mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 6.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.2mcg
Vitamin C 1.5mg 2% DV
Calcium 374.3mg 29% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option. Use a plant-based butter instead of Crisco. This will maintain the moisture and texture of the cookies while keeping them suitable for a vegan diet.

How can I make these cookies chewier?

You can also chill the dough before baking, as this helps the cookies maintain their shape and improves the texture.

What can I add for more flavor?

Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to enhance the flavor profile. Toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before baking can also add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

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).

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