Heritage Date-Filled Cookies
These delectable Heritage Date-Filled Cookies are a treasured family recipe that dates back generations, originating from my great-great-aunt. With a delightful combination of buttery cookie dough and a sweet, rich date filling, these cookies offer a unique twist to traditional dessert recipes. The filling, made from chopped dates, sugar, and nuts, provides a chewy contrast to the soft and slightly crisp cookie exterior. Perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying as an afternoon treat, these cookies will undoubtedly become a beloved addition to your own family traditions.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
sugar
1 cup (divided)
eggs
2 large (beaten)
milk
1 tablespoon (n/a)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (n/a)
flour
2 cups (divided)
salt
1 pinch (n/a)
chopped dates
1 cup (pitted and chopped)
water
1/2 cup (n/a)
chopped nuts
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a couple of cookie sheets.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, blending until well incorporated.
5
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
6
While the dough chills, prepare the date filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped dates, 1/2 cup of water, 3 teaspoons of flour, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring frequently. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the chopped nuts if desired. Set aside to cool.
7
Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut the dough into circles.
8
Place a mound of date filling in the center of half of the rounds. Top each filled round with another dough round and press the edges together to seal. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
9
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly browned.
10
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heritage Date-Filled Cookies?
Heritage Date-Filled Cookies are a traditional family dessert consisting of a buttery cookie dough filled with a sweet mixture of dates, sugar, and optional nuts.
Where does this recipe originate from?
This recipe is a treasured family heirloom that dates back generations, originating from the creator's great-great-aunt.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies feature a chewy date filling contrasted by a soft and slightly crisp cookie exterior.
What are the main components of the recipe?
The recipe consists of a homemade buttery dough and a cooked date filling made from chopped dates, sugar, and nuts.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Do I need to grease the cookie sheets?
Yes, you should grease a couple of cookie sheets before beginning the baking process.
How do I start the cookie dough?
Begin by creaming together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How are the eggs incorporated?
The two large beaten eggs should be added one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
When should I add the milk to the dough?
Stir in the 1 tablespoon of milk after the eggs have been fully incorporated into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
What dry ingredients are sifted together?
Sift together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.
How is the dry mixture combined with the wet ingredients?
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending until the dough is well incorporated.
Does the dough need to be refrigerated?
Yes, the dough should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
What are the ingredients for the date filling?
The filling requires 1 cup of chopped dates, 1/2 cup of water, 3 teaspoons of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and optional chopped nuts.
How do I cook the date filling?
Combine the filling ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.
When should I add the nuts to the filling?
Once the filling mixture has thickened and been removed from the heat, you can stir in the chopped nuts to taste.
Does the filling need to cool?
Yes, the date filling should be set aside to cool after cooking and before being placed on the dough.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of approximately 1/4-inch.
How do I shape the cookies?
Use a round cookie cutter to cut the rolled-out dough into circular shapes.
How do I assemble the filled cookies?
Place a mound of date filling on half of the rounds, then top each with another dough round and press the edges together.
Can I add a decorative touch to the cookie edges?
Yes, you can crimp the edges of the sealed cookies with a fork for a decorative look.
How long do the cookies bake for?
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are done?
The cookies are finished when they have turned a light brown color.
How should the cookies be cooled after baking?
Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How much sugar is used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar in total: 1 cup for the dough and 1/2 cup for the filling.
How much flour is required?
The recipe uses 2 cups of flour for the dough and an additional 3 teaspoons of flour for the filling.
Are the nuts mandatory?
No, the chopped nuts are optional and can be added to the filling according to your personal taste.
What type of fruit is used in the filling?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of pitted and chopped dates.
Is this recipe suitable for the holidays?
Yes, these cookies are perfect for sharing during the holidays and are a great addition to family traditions.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 large beaten eggs.
What is the first step in making the filling?
The first step is to combine chopped dates, water, flour, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.