Cinnamon Date Slices
Sweet cinnamon and nutty walnut pastry with a date filling, perfect for a cozy treat or afternoon tea, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain flour ⓘ
- 1 cup walnut pieces, ground ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 5 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest or lemon flavoring ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces pitted dates ⓘ
- confectioners sugar (for dusting) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, walnuts, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Beat butter, 2/3 cup sugar, and lemon zest until creamy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Beat in the flour mixture. Divide the dough in half, wrap, and chill.
- Simmer dates, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1 cup water until dates soften, about 10 minutes. Cool.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Roll each piece of dough between sheets of floured waxed paper to a 12 x 6-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cooled date filling lengthwise down the center of each rectangle.
- Lift the dough over the filling and seal the seam.
- Place on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake until golden, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Cool the slices.
- Dust with confectioners sugar and slice into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For easier rolling, chill the dough longer if it's too soft. If you don't have walnuts, any nut can work, or you can skip them for a nut-free version. You can substitute the dates with dried figs or apricots for a different flavor. Ensure the filling is cool to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Date Slices are delicious on their own or served with a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Quick Cheese Cakes for a delightful dessert platter. For added richness, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap them well and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy them warm, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Date Slices contains roughly 152 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 slices ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead, then assemble and bake them just before serving. Alternatively, baked slices can be stored and enjoyed later, making them perfect for meal planning or last-minute gatherings.
What can I use if I don't have ground nutmeg?
If you don't have ground nutmeg, you can substitute it with an equal amount of ground allspice or simply omit it. The cinnamon will still provide a warm flavor. Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist!
How do I know when the slices are done baking?
The slices are done when they turn a golden brown color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary. Overbaking may dry them out, so check for doneness around the 35-minute mark.
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).