Are you looking for a delicious and easy dessert recipe that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth? Look no further! These Date Filled Cookies are a delightful blend of chewy dates and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. This simple recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, and the results are sure to impress even the most experienced cooks. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert for a weeknight treat or something special for a gathering, these homemade cookies will be a crowd-pleaser. They're also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra fiber and natural sweetness into your diet!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand if you prefer a bit of a workout!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Incorporate Dates
Gently fold in the chopped Medjool dates.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious date-filled cookies warm or at room temperature – they're equally delightful!
Tips for Perfect Date Filled Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened. This will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Medjool Dates are Best: Medjool dates are soft and chewy, making them ideal for these cookies.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chunk Date Cookies: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced Date Cookies: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Nutty Date Cookies: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-12g
- Protein: 2-3g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these healthy and delicious date-filled cookies as part of a balanced diet. They’re a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, offering a delightful homemade touch to any meal. These best recipes are simple to follow and offer a wholesome alternative to store-bought treats.