Date Cookies
Date cookies are a delightful treat that combine the natural sweetness of dates with the warmth of spices like cinnamon and cloves. The addition of pecans and cherries adds a wonderful texture and flavor that makes these cookies perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the Crisco and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until smooth.
- Add the chopped dates, chopped pecans, and cherries.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, soda, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until well blended.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake until brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar, or a mix of both. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. To enhance the spice profile, try adding a pinch of nutmeg. Make sure to chop the dates and cherries finely for even distribution in the dough. If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce the baking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These date cookies are delightful on their own, but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Classic Green Bean Casserole during holiday gatherings. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious dessert combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in an oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Cookies contains roughly 256 calories, with 5g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 9g 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 use fresh dates instead of dried?
Using fresh dates will change the texture and moisture content of the cookies. If you opt for fresh dates, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly, as fresh dates are sweeter. You may need to adjust the flour to achieve the desired dough consistency.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free date cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as the baking soda and spices, are gluten-free. You may also want to add a bit of xanthan gum for better texture.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will enhance the sweetness and provide a nice contrast to the flavors of the dates and spices. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips as per your preference, and fold them into the dough along with the dates and nuts.
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).