Date And Nut Cookies

Prep: 720 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Date and Nut Cookies offer a delightful combination of sweet dates, crunchy nuts, and a tender cookie base. Perfect for snack time or dessert, these cookies are rich in flavor and satisfying crunch, making them ideal for both casual gatherings and holiday treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons cream or milk
  • 3½ cups sifted flour
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup chopped dates
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Sift the flour with baking soda and cream of tartar.
  2. Cream together the shortening and brown sugar.
  3. Add the well-beaten eggs and cream or milk.
  4. Mix in the dry ingredients, chopped dates, chopped nuts, and vanilla.
  5. Form the mixture into a loaf and chill overnight.
  6. Next day, slice the chilled dough thinly and bake on a well-greased baking sheet at 400°F for 10 minutes or until delicately browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute half of the sugar with applesauce. Make sure to chop the dates finely to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dough. Chilling the dough overnight is crucial for the best texture, so don’t skip this step!

Serving Suggestions

These Date and Nut Cookies make a delightful dessert alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a more celebratory touch, serve them on a platter with Easy Brownies and slices of Pecan Pie (Aunt Frances'). They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Date And Nut Cookies contains roughly 1750 calories, with 7g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 146g fat. It is a good source of potassium (19% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1302mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).

1750 kcal 87% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.1g 14% DV
Total Fat 145.5g 100% DV
Carbs 76.4g 28% DV
Fiber 0.1g 1% DV
Sugar 35.1g 70% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1302mg 57% DV
Potassium 884.7mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 40.4mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 64.7mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 135.2mg 10% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Contains Milk 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 add chocolate chips to this cookie recipe?

Yes, adding chocolate chips can enhance the sweetness and provide a delightful chocolatey flavor. Consider using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, and adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie.

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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