Billygoat Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Billygoat Cookies are rich, nutty treats with dates, pecans, and warm cinnamon, perfect for holiday gatherings or satisfying cookie cravings with a chewy, flavorful bite.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 cups pecan meats
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 pound dates
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 3 eggs

Instructions

  1. Cream together the sugar and butter. Add cinnamon and vanilla.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Cut the dates finely.
  4. Dredge the dates with flour and add to the mixture along with the pecan meats.
  5. Dissolve the soda in a little warm water and add to the mixture, alternating with the flour and mixing well.
  6. Drop small spoonfuls of the batter onto a greased cookie sheet.
  7. Bake at 350°F until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a chewier texture, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. Make sure to chop the dates finely to ensure even distribution in the batter. This recipe can also be adapted to include chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own but can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters or as a sweet snack alongside Grandma Wells' 1968 Chocolate Pie for a comforting dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Billygoat Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Billygoat Cookies contains roughly 418 calories, with 5g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value).

418 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.7g 9% DV
Total Fat 15.3g 20% DV
Carbs 58.4g 21% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 21.9g 44% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 79.1mg 3% DV
Potassium 247.2mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 83.3mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 85.7mg 7% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 a different type of nut in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if you prefer. Just ensure that the nuts are roughly chopped for even distribution within the cookie dough.

What can I do if I don't have dates?

If dates are unavailable, you can substitute with dried figs or raisins. Both will add sweetness and moisture, though the flavor profile will slightly change.

How thick should the cookie batter be?

The batter for Billygoat Cookies should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped onto the cookie sheet. If it's too thin, add a little more flour until the desired consistency is reached.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →