Date-filled Cookies

Date-filled Cookies Recipe - Traditional Omani Delight

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Date-filled cookies are a delicious and sweet treat that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are filled with a sweet and sticky date mixture that adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Whether you are looking for a new dessert to try or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these date-filled cookies are sure to be a hit.

History

Date-filled cookies have been a popular dessert for many years, with origins dating back to the Middle East. Dates have long been used in Middle Eastern cuisine for their natural sweetness and rich flavor. The combination of dates, sugar, and nuts in these cookies creates a delicious and satisfying treat that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

3 cups of all-purpose white flour
1 tsp of baking powder
0.5 tsp of salt
0.75 cup of butter or margarine (at room temperature)
1.5 cups of sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp of vanilla extract

Filling

8 oz (227 g) of pitted dates, cut up
0.5 cup of sugar
0.25 cup of lemon juice
0.5 cup of chopped walnuts

How to prepare

Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
Set the mixture aside.
In a large bowl, mix the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until it becomes light and fluffy.
Gradually stir in the flour mixture until everything is well combined.
Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight.
Divide the dough into four parts and refrigerate them until ready to use.
Meanwhile, make the filling: in a small saucepan, combine the dates and sugar with 0.5 cup of water.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring, until it thickens - about 5 minutes.
Remove the mixture from heat.
Stir in the lemon juice and walnuts.
Allow the filling to cool completely.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough, one part at a time, to a thickness of 0.13 inch.
Using a floured 2.5 inches cookie cutter (or the bottom of a glass), cut out cookies.
Re-roll the trimmings and cut out more cookies.
Using a spatula, place half of the cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Spread 1 tsp of filling over each cookie.
Cover each cookie with another one.
Using a floured fork, firmly seal the edges of the cookies.
Also, prick the center of each cookie once with the fork.
Bake the cookies in a 375°F (191°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are lightly browned.
Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool.
Enjoy!

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the date filling for extra flavor.
Substitute the walnuts with almonds or pecans for a different nutty taste.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out to ensure that it is firm and easy to work with.

- Be sure to seal the edges of the cookies well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

- Use a fork to prick the center of each cookie before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent the cookies from puffing up too much.

- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Date-filled cookies are perfect for serving as a dessert or snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a sweet treat.

Cooking Techniques

Sifting the dry ingredients ensures that the cookies have a light and fluffy texture.

- Rolling out the dough to a consistent thickness helps the cookies bake evenly.

- Sealing the edges of the cookies well prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Brown sugar can be used in place of white sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.

- Dried figs or prunes can be substituted for dates in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for date-filled cookies can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. The filled cookies can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the date-filled cookies on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. Serve them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Date-filled cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, including tea, coffee, or milk. They also go well with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of hot cocoa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store date-filled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of date-filled cookies contains approximately 180 calories. It is important to enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of date-filled cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of date-filled cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat. Fat is important for providing energy, supporting cell growth, and aiding in the absorption of vitamins.

Proteins

Each serving of date-filled cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Date-filled cookies are a good source of iron, which is important for transporting oxygen throughout the body. They also contain small amounts of calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Date-filled cookies contain nuts (walnuts) and eggs, which are common allergens. It is important to be mindful of any allergies when preparing and consuming these cookies.

Summary

Date-filled cookies are a delicious and sweet treat that provide a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also contain important vitamins and minerals, making them a satisfying and nutritious dessert option.

Summary

Date-filled cookies are a classic dessert that is sure to please any sweet tooth. With a delicious date filling and a buttery cookie crust, these cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you are baking them for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, date-filled cookies are a delightful and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was during a visit to my friend Martha's house, where she served me a plate of the most delicious date-filled cookies I had ever tasted. The sweet, sticky filling combined with the buttery, crumbly cookie crust was a match made in heaven. I knew right then and there that I needed to learn how to make them myself.

Martha, being the kind and generous friend that she is, gladly shared her recipe with me. She told me that she had learned to make these cookies from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through the generations. As Martha explained the process to me, I could feel the love and tradition that was woven into every step.

The first time I attempted to make the date-filled cookies, I was a bundle of nerves. I carefully measured out the ingredients and followed Martha's instructions to the letter. The dough came together beautifully, and as I rolled it out and cut it into circles, I could already imagine how delicious the finished cookies would be.

The date filling was a revelation. I had never worked with dates before, but after simmering them with sugar and water until they were soft and sticky, I was hooked. The aroma of the dates mingling with cinnamon and nutmeg filled my kitchen, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own collection.

As I assembled the cookies, placing a spoonful of date filling in the center of each circle of dough and folding it over to form a half-moon shape, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The cookies went into the oven to bake, and as the golden scent of butter and sugar wafted through the house, I knew that Martha's recipe was a keeper.

When the cookies were finally done and cooled enough to eat, I took a bite with trepidation. Would they taste as good as Martha's? To my delight, they were even better. The buttery crust melted in my mouth, and the sweet, sticky date filling burst with flavor. I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.

Over the years, I have made these date-filled cookies countless times. I have shared them with friends and family, who all rave about how delicious they are. Each time I bake a batch, I think of Martha and her grandmother, and the tradition and love that they passed down to me.

I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe over the years, adding a pinch of orange zest here and a sprinkle of toasted nuts there. But the heart of the recipe remains the same, and every time I take a bite of a freshly baked date-filled cookie, I am transported back to that first time I saw the recipe and knew that it would become a cherished part of my kitchen repertoire.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a sweet, sticky treat with a touch of nostalgia, look no further than my date-filled cookies. They are a labor of love, a taste of tradition, and a reminder of the power of a good recipe shared among friends. Enjoy!