Drop Date Cookies
Drop Date Cookies are delightful treats combining rich, chewy date filling with a sweet cookie base, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and brown sugar together.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Incorporate flour, salt, and dissolved soda into the mixture.
- Set the dough aside.
- In a saucepan, cook dates, sugar, and water until the mixture is paste-like.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Indent the center of each cookie with a spoon and fill with the cooked date paste.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. For a more interesting texture, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough. Ensure the dates are well-cooked for easy spooning into the cookies. This recipe is a delightful addition to your collection of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These drop date cookies are best served warm with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For added indulgence, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve alongside your favorite dessert, such as Dream Whip Pecan Pie. They make a great treat for gatherings or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Drop Date Cookies contains roughly 1651 calories, with 16g protein, 225g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (36% of the Daily Value), potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2269mg per serving (99% 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 other dried fruits instead of dates?
Yes, you can substitute dates with other dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots. Just ensure that the fruits are chopped finely to maintain a similar texture. Each fruit will bring a different flavor profile, making the cookies unique with every batch.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary based on your oven. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so it's better to err on the side of caution.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, you can also freeze the dough for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
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).