Dolly Dates
Dolly Dates are delicious cookies featuring chopped dates and nuts, with a tender, sweet flavor. Perfect for teatime or family gatherings, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, salt, vanilla, and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together flour and soda.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
- Stir in chopped dates and nuts.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 325° to 350° F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using a mix of butter and Crisco. If you’re short on eggs, one egg can be replaced with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. Chopped walnuts or pecans are excellent nut substitutes. To enhance flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure your dates are soft and moist for the best results. This recipe is a delightful treat for gatherings, much like Tempting Snacks.
Serving Suggestions
Dolly Dates are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. Serve them fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat. Consider serving alongside a slice of Fruity Banana Bread for a varied dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Dolly Dates in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a single layer and then transferred to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dolly Dates contains roughly 1858 calories, with 40g protein, 361g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (111% of the Daily Value), protein (80% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2489mg per serving (108% 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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional, you can use pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a unique twist. Just ensure the nuts are chopped to similar sizes as the dates for even distribution throughout the dough.
What can I substitute for Crisco?
If you prefer not to use Crisco, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both options will add a delicious flavor to your Dolly Dates, though the texture may vary slightly.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
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).