Date Filled Drop Cookies
Sweet and rich date filled drop cookies featuring a soft texture and caramel-like flavor, perfect for cookie lovers and ideal for festive gatherings or afternoon treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the soda in warm water.
- Cream together the brown sugar, shortening, and eggs.
- Add the dissolved soda and vanilla to the creamed mixture.
- Gradually stir in the sifted flour, salt, and vanilla until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven until lightly browned and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Make sure to use fresh dates for the filling, as they provide the best texture and sweetness. If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them for a chewy center.
Serving Suggestions
These Date Filled Drop Cookies are delightful on their own but can also be served with a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a well-rounded treat, consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a slice of Tear-Apart Cake for a sweet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or place them in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Filled Drop Cookies contains roughly 1627 calories, with 33g protein, 305g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), protein (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
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 dried dates instead of fresh for the filling?
Yes, you can use dried dates, but make sure to soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften. This will make them easier to incorporate into the filling and improve the overall texture of the cookies.
How can I make these cookies more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Additionally, incorporating vanilla extract into the batter will elevate the taste. Experimenting with spices can lead to a unique twist on this classic recipe.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it easier to drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet. Additionally, lightly flouring your hands or the spoon can help manage the stickiness.
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).