Dad'S Christmas Dates
Sweet and nutty Christmas dates filled with walnuts and coated in powdered or granulated sugar, perfect for festive gatherings and holiday treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Split the dates on one side and remove the pits.
- Insert a quarter of a walnut into each date.
- Close the date back up, molding it around the nut.
- Roll the filled dates lightly in powdered sugar or granulated sugar.
- Arrange in a bowl or on a tray with other Christmas cookies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for different flavor notes. If you'd like a touch of spice, add a pinch of cinnamon to the powdered sugar. Make sure to select soft, moist dates for easier handling. If your dates are too firm, soak them briefly in warm water to soften them up before filling.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful stuffed dates make a perfect addition to a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies and fudge. They pair beautifully with a glass of festive punch or a warm cup of spiced tea. For an elegant touch, serve them on a decorative tray with a sprinkle of additional powdered sugar.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them, where they'll last for 2-3 weeks. To enjoy them warm, you can briefly heat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Christmas Dates contains roughly 384 calories, with 7g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. 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 dates ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these dates a day or two in advance. Stuff them as directed and store them in an airtight container. Just roll them in sugar right before serving for the best presentation and texture.
What type of dates should I use?
Medjool dates are the best choice for this recipe due to their size and sweetness. They are soft and easy to stuff. However, you can also use Deglet Noor dates if Medjool are unavailable, keeping in mind they may be slightly firmer and require a bit more effort to fill.
Are there any vegan substitutes for this recipe?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly since it consists of dates, walnuts, and sugar. If you wish to make it healthier, consider using coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. For a fun variation, try adding a touch of vanilla extract to the filling.
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).