Yeah, yeah, chewy chocolate chip cookies are delicious. But have you ever tried chewy date cookies? These treats are just as sweet as the chocolate chip classic, but dates contain loads of nutrients (think fiber, protein, potassium, and healthy, natural carbs). Dates are packed with antioxidants, making them the perfect addition to any sweet treat. When paired with pecans and almonds, they provide the perfect touch of sweetness to create a sweet, crunchy, chewy cookie. They’re a must for this year’s holiday cookie exchange!
here’s what you’ll need
Butter and Sugar: the base of any great cookie is butter and sugar. This recipe uses unsalted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. As they are whipped together, air pockets are created in the butter, and then the sugar fills those gaps. As it bakes, the sugar solidifies, creating structure. Egg: Eggs add some protein and help with structure. I’ve also included a vegan egg substitute option below! Almond Extract: This ingredient really gives these cookies that nutty flavor! In a pinch, you could use vanilla extract instead. Dry Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt are all you need for this cookie. Salt helps to amplify the flavor of these cookies, and it also helps to keep the dough tender! Chopped Dates: Feel free to use any variety of dates you like. I usually try to find pitted dates so I don’t have to deal with removing all the pits. Nuts: I use a combination of chopped pecans and almonds for this recipe. Peanuts, cashews, or pistachios will work too.
Let’s make them!
Chewy date nut cookies are great in a pinch – they only require 10 hands-on minutes of work. Step 1: Heat The OvenFirst, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Step 2: Soften The ButterPlace the butter in a microwave safe bowl and heat it in 10 second bursts, until soft (but not melted). Step 3: Mix The Wet IngredientsIn a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugars together. Add the egg and almond extract, beating briefly to combine. Step 4: Mix The Dry IngredientsIn a separate bowl, stir the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Step 5: Combine The IngredientsAdd the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients, folding to combine. Then, fold in the chopped dates, pecans, and almonds. Step 6: Roll and BakeNext, roll the dough into 18 large balls and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookies look puffy and are just barely golden. Do not over bake. Step 7: SquishFinally, while the cookies are still soft, lightly flatten each one with a spatula. Allow them to cool before removing them from the sheet and serving.
Vegan-ize your date cookies
Wondering how to skip the dairy and eggs? Here are some alternatives!
Butter: You can replace the butter with your favorite plant-based version. I recommend using vegan butter sticks (rather than spread) to achieve a similar consistency. Egg: You can replace the egg by creating a chia egg! Simply mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Allow it to sit and form a “gel,” and then add it to the batter where it calls for the egg.
