Date Refrigerator Cookies
Chewy, flavorful refrigerator cookies featuring dates, nuts, and oatmeal, perfect for make-ahead treats and sharing with family and friends. Rich, sweet, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thoroughly cream the shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the beaten eggs and vanilla; beat well.
- Incorporate flour, salt, and soda into the mixture.
- Stir in quick oatmeal, chopped nuts, and chopped dates.
- Form the dough into long, individual rolls about 18 inches long on Saran Wrap; wrap tightly.
- Chill the rolls in the refrigerator.
- Slice the chilled rolls into 1/2 inch thick slices.
- Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the chopped nuts entirely or substitute with seeds. To enhance the sweetness, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Make sure to use quick oatmeal, as rolled oats will yield a different texture in the cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Date Refrigerator Cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert combination. They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter, complementing treats like Holiday Squares Florentine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the sliced cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat the frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Refrigerator Cookies contains roughly 1748 calories, with 16g protein, 255g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and potassium (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2193mg per serving (95% 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 fresh dates instead of chopped dates?
Yes, you can use fresh dates, but be sure to remove the pits and chop them finely. Fresh dates may introduce a bit more moisture, so you may want to adjust the flour slightly if the dough feels too wet.
How long should I chill the dough?
Chill the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to slice the rolls into uniform pieces before baking.
Can I substitute the oatmeal with a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free quick oats to maintain the texture and flavor of the cookies. Just ensure that all other ingredients, including the baking soda, are also gluten-free to keep the recipe entirely free of gluten.
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).