Dates have long been treasured for their natural sweetness and rich, caramel-like flavor, making them an ideal filling for cookies that are both delicious and wholesome. If you’re craving a treat that’s not overly sugary but still indulgently satisfying, these date filled cookies are a perfect choice.
Combining a buttery, tender cookie exterior with a luscious date paste center, this recipe offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion, a cozy afternoon tea, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a foolproof recipe to create mouthwatering date filled cookies that are easy to make and utterly delicious. Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you customize these cookies to your liking.
Ready to bake some magic? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These date filled cookies combine the best of both worlds: a soft, crumbly cookie paired with a rich, naturally sweet date filling. Unlike many desserts laden with refined sugars, this recipe relies on dates as the primary sweetener, making them a healthier treat option.
The dough is simple to prepare, requiring everyday pantry staples, and the filling can be made in minutes using medjool dates, known for their caramel-like taste and chewy texture.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can shape these cookies into rounds, crescents, or even bars, and add nuts or spices to tailor their flavor profile.
They store well, making them a great option for gifting or preparing ahead of time for gatherings. Plus, they’re perfect for those looking for vegan or refined sugar-free dessert options.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Food processor or blender
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Spatula
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Small cookie scoop or tablespoon
Instructions
- Prepare the date filling: Place the pitted medjool dates and water in a food processor. Blend until you get a smooth, sticky paste. If using, add ground cinnamon and chopped nuts, then pulse a few times to combine. Set aside.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or hand whisk until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until evenly combined.
- Incorporate the flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Shape the cookies: Take a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a small spoonful of the date filling in the center, then wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it completely. Roll gently to form a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Bake: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, these cookies are ready to be savored with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
Tips & Variations
For an extra special touch, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance their sweetness.
- Nutty filling: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or pistachios to the date paste for added crunch and flavor.
- Spice it up: Mix a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg into the dough or filling for warm, aromatic notes.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for those with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan adaptation: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter to make these cookies fully vegan.
- Shape variations: Instead of balls, roll out dough and cut into shapes, then place a small dollop of date filling inside before folding or layering.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Total Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars (natural from dates) | 10 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These date filled cookies make a fantastic accompaniment to a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a platter of dried fruits and nuts during holiday gatherings or afternoon tea parties.
They can also be packed as a sweet snack for picnics or lunchboxes.
If you’re looking for more wholesome dessert ideas, check out our Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats or try the Avocado Cookies Vegan Recipe for Soft and Delicious Treats.
Conclusion
Crafting these date filled cookies is a rewarding experience that brings together the natural sweetness of dates with a delicate, buttery cookie shell. They provide a delightful alternative to traditional sugar-laden cookies, offering a richer flavor and a more wholesome treat.
These cookies are perfect for anyone who appreciates a balance of textures and tastes, as well as those seeking healthier dessert options.
Whether you are baking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to. You can easily customize the filling and dough to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Don’t forget to explore more creative recipes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for delicious and practical meal ideas.
Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet bite of these date filled cookies!
📖 Recipe Card: Date Filled Cookie
Description: These date filled cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for a sweet snack. They combine a buttery dough with a rich date filling for a delightful treat.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine dates and water; cook until soft and thickened, then cool.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well.
- Roll dough into small balls and flatten slightly.
- Place a teaspoon of date filling in the center of each dough piece.
- Fold dough around filling and seal edges, shaping into cookies.
- Place cookies on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden at edges.
- Cool on wire rack before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 kcal | Protein: 1.2 g | Fat: 5.5 g | Carbs: 15 g
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