Are you craving a delicious and satisfying dessert that's also surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than these delightful date rolls! This recipe is perfect for a quick after-dinner treat, a special occasion, or even a satisfying afternoon snack. Forget complicated baking; this homemade cooking project is a breeze, even for beginner cooks, resulting in a sweet and chewy treat the whole family will adore. These easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and offer a healthy alternative to other sugary desserts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), shredded coconut for filling
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Date Paste:
Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to soften the dates. Once softened, mash them with a fork until you have a smooth paste. This creates the base of our delicious filling.
Step 2: Make the Dough:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Spread the date paste evenly over the dough. If using, sprinkle your chosen nuts or coconut over the date paste.
Step 4: Roll and Slice:
Tightly roll the dough from one of the long sides into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls.
Step 5: Bake:
Place the date rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy:
Let the date rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy these delicious and healthy treats!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Date Rolls:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough date rolls. Mix until just combined.
- Use Medjool dates: Medjool dates are the sweetest and most flavorful, resulting in the best tasting date rolls.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter treat, add a tablespoon or two of extra sugar to the dough.
- Get creative with fillings: Experiment with different fillings like chocolate chips, cinnamon, or dried cranberries.
Variations:
- Spiced Date Rolls: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Date Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the date paste for a decadent twist.
- Glazed Date Rolls: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled rolls for extra sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 Fat: 4-6g Carbohydrates: 18-20g Sugar: 8-10g Protein: 2-3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These delicious date rolls are a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are both satisfying and healthy. They're easy to make, adaptable to your tastes, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!