Chinese Chews(Date Cookies)
Chewy, nutty date cookies with a rich brown sugar flavor, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and suitable for snack time or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Sift together baking powder, salt, and flour.
- Add dry ingredients to chopped dates and walnuts; mix thoroughly.
- Pour batter into greased pans and bake at 325°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Place pans on a wet towel to cool.
- Cut into small squares.
- Roll into balls with greased hands and roll in powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using pecans instead of walnuts, or substitute half the butter with applesauce for a lighter version. Ensure your dates are soft; if they’re hard, soak them in warm water for a few minutes. This will help them blend better into the batter. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking, and consider testing with a toothpick for doneness.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own or dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They also make a great addition to dessert platters alongside other sweet bites, such as Chinese Noodle Chocolate Candy. For a unique twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chinese Chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature. To refresh their texture, warm them slightly in the oven before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Chews(Date Cookies) contains roughly 257 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 21g 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 other nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds. Just be sure to chop them finely for even distribution in the batter. This allows for a different flavor profile while maintaining the texture of the cookies.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can make a substitute by mixing regular granulated sugar with a bit of molasses. For every cup of granulated sugar, add 1 tablespoon of molasses to achieve a similar flavor and moisture content.
How can I make these cookies chewier?
To achieve a chewier texture, consider slightly underbaking the cookies, removing them when they are just set. Additionally, adding an extra egg yolk can enhance moisture and chewiness in the final product.
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).