Soft cookies with dates and pecans are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired treat! Cookies with dates and nuts are common across the region, and they taste so good together. And it makes sense that dates are included in traditional desserts from the Middle East since the date palm has been cultivated in this area for thousands of years. Dates add a caramel-like sweetness that you can’t get from sugar alone, and the chopped pecans are rich and crunchy inside these soft, cinnamon and vanilla-flavored cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients In Date Cookies
Here’s what you need to make these cookies with dates:
Dates: You can use any type of dates that you find, although Medjool dates tend to be bigger and softer than other varieties. Cinnamon: This spice gives the cookies a lightly spiced flavor. You can add more spices too, like ground cloves or nutmeg. Pecans: Chopped pecans add great texture to these cookies. Walnuts are a good substitution too.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Pit and Chop Dates for Cookies
If you aren’t familiar with how to chop up dates, here’s a quick tutorial!
Start by slicing each date in half lengthwise, then pulling it open to reveal the pit in the middle. Use the tip of your knife to gently pry out the pit, and discard it. With a sharp knife, slice the pitted dates into thin strips, then turn the board and slice the strips into squares. Dates are quite sticky! If your blade gets too gummed up as you’re chopping, rinse it off and start again where you left off. You can also coat the knife blade with flour to help.
How To Make Date Cookies
Date cookie Recipe Tips
Make them more flavorful by adding additional spices such as nutmeg and ground cloves to your date cookies. This cookie dough does not have to be refrigerated, but if you’re baking on a hot day, you may want to pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes prior to baking. Leave room between the cookies. The dough will spread a bit, but not too much. I left 1.5 inches between each one. Measure Correctly. The key to baking will always be in the measurements! Visit my post on how to measure ingredients for all of my tips and tricks. Try not to overcook these. You want the cookies to be cooked, but not dried out. Start checking on them at about 9 minutes to be on the safe side.
Storing Tips
Store these date cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll be best when enjoyed the same day that you bake them! Date Cookies are perfect for celebrating Eid al-Fitr or any other special occasion! Everyone will love these Middle-Eastern inspired cookies that are wonderfully soft and studded with chewy dates and crunchy nuts. © Little Sunny Kitchen
