Frosty Date Bars
Frosty Date Bars are sweet, nutty treats with chopped dates and walnuts, coated in powdered sugar, perfect for snack time or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and confectioners sugar together.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of water and vanilla.
- Add sifted all-purpose flour and a dash of salt; mix well.
- Fold in chopped dates and chopped walnuts.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet, 2 1/2 inches apart.
- Bake in a slow oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20 minutes, or until set and not brown.
- While warm, roll the cookies in confectioners sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of confectioners sugar in the dough. If you don't have walnuts, chopped pecans or even almonds can serve as excellent substitutes. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. To enhance the sweetness, a pinch of cinnamon can be added to the mixture. These bars are great for sharing at gatherings or as a snack.
Serving Suggestions
These Frosty Date Bars are delightful as a snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Casey's Banana Pudding for a sweet treat spread. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters or as a unique dessert for potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Frosty Date Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes, ensuring they remain soft and not dried out. They can also be enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frosty Date Bars contains roughly 128 calories, with 2g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.
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 nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts add a nice crunch, you can substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts based on your preference. Just ensure they're chopped to similar sizes for even distribution throughout the bars.
How can I make these bars healthier?
To make the Frosty Date Bars healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the amount of confectioners sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the wet ingredients accordingly.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to roll into balls, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to handle. If necessary, you can also add a little more flour to achieve the right consistency.
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).