Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweetened: The dates provide a rich, natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars.
- Nutty Crunch: Chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that complements the softness of the dates.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, nutritious components, these cookies are both delicious and nourishing.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common pantry items, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect as a dessert, snack, or even a breakfast treat alongside your morning coffee or tea.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped dates and walnuts until evenly distributed.
-
Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
-
Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Oatmeal Addition: Incorporate 1 cup of rolled oats into the dough for added texture and a heartier bite.
- Spice It Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Different Nuts: Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds to suit your preference.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Coconut Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, heat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
FAQs
What makes these cookies chewy?
The high moisture content from the dates and the proper ratio of butter to flour contribute to the chewiness of these cookies.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour; however, the cookies may have a denser texture and a more pronounced, nutty flavor.
Are there alternatives to walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be used as alternatives to walnuts.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking helps prevent excessive spreading.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of dates should I use?
Medjool dates are ideal due to their natural sweetness and soft texture, but other varieties like Deglet Noor can also be used.
Can I add other dried fruits?
Certainly! Chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or raisins can be added for extra flavor.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacer.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar without compromising texture. Try cutting back by 1/4 cup of each type of sugar.
What’s the best way to chop dates without them sticking?
Lightly coat your knife with flour or a little oil to prevent the dates from sticking while chopping.
Conclusion
These Chewy Date and Walnut Cookies are a delightful combination of natural sweetness and nutty goodness, making them the perfect treat for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, as a midday snack, or with a cup of tea, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings in a wholesome way. Try out the variations to make them uniquely yours and enjoy baking these easy, delicious cookies!
Chewy Date and Walnut Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: ~36 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy Date and Walnut Cookies are a perfect blend of natural sweetness and nutty crunch, making them a delicious and wholesome treat. These soft and chewy cookies are easy to make, packed with flavor, and ideal for dessert, snacking, or even breakfast with your favorite coffee or tea!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1½ cups chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chopped dates and walnuts until evenly distributed.
-
Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help prevent excessive spreading during baking.
-
Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Dough: Refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prevent Sticky Dates: Lightly coat your knife with flour or oil before chopping dates.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds to enjoy warm, fresh-tasting cookies
