Grandma'S Date-Nut Cookies
Grandma's Date-Nut Cookies offer a delightful combination of sweet dates, crunchy nuts, and warm cinnamon, perfect for cozy gatherings or teatime treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream together the shortening, sugar, and eggs until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Stir in the diced dates, chopped nuts, and water until evenly incorporated.
- Drop heaping teaspoons of dough onto a cookie sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using brown sugar instead of white. If you don't have shortening, butter can be a great substitute, adding a rich flavor. Make sure to chop the nuts and dates evenly for consistent bites. For added flavor, you could also incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the creamed mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect as a sweet snack or dessert alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make a delightful addition to holiday cookie platters or can be enjoyed with a glass of milk for a nostalgic touch. Consider serving them with Stove Top Bread Pudding for a comforting dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies, placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Date-Nut Cookies contains roughly 925 calories, with 17g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1715mg per serving (75% 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 nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chopped nuts with your favorites, such as walnuts, pecans, or even almonds. Each type of nut will bring a unique flavor and texture to the cookies, allowing you to customize them to your preference.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find the dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and shape. Additionally, you can lightly flour your hands or the cookie sheet to prevent sticking when dropping the dough.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and still slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven and the size of the cookies.
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).