Date Rolls
Date Rolls Recipe - Scrumptious Arabian Treat
Introduction
Date rolls are a delicious and sweet treat that are perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized delights are made with a buttery dough filled with a sweet and sticky date paste. They are perfect for serving at parties, as a snack, or even as a dessert. 
History
Date rolls have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Dates have long been prized for their natural sweetness and health benefits, making them a popular ingredient in many traditional recipes. The combination of dates and pastry has been a favorite in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines for generations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 stick less 1 tbsp sweet butter, softened
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp milk
How to prepare
- 1) Start by making the filling. In a saucepan, melt the butter with the water. Add the chopped dates and cook on low heat, stirring and pressing down until they form a soft paste. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- 2) To make the dough, sift the flour into a mixing bowl. Cut the softened butter into small pieces and incorporate it into the flour using your fingers. Add the sugar and mix thoroughly. Create a well in the center, pour in the oil and milk, then continue kneading the dough until pieces start to flake off the sides of the bowl. Knead for an additional 10 minutes, then shape the dough into a ball and refrigerate.
- 3) Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a large baking tray. Take the dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into three portions. Knead each portion well.
- 4) On a floured surface, roll out and flatten one portion of the dough into a neat rectangle shape. Spread a thin layer of one-third of the date mixture over the top. Roll the rectangle into a log and continue rolling it back and forth until it becomes longer and thinner. Slice the log into flat, diagonal sections, about 1.5 inches thick. Repeat this process with the remaining portions of dough.
- 5) Arrange all the slices side by side on the greased baking sheet and lightly prick the tops with a fork. Bake for 25–30 minutes in the preheated oven until they are slightly colored (be careful not to overcook them, as they will become hard). Allow them to cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
- 6) This recipe yields approximately 24 rolls.
Variations
- Add chopped nuts or seeds to the date filling for extra crunch.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled date rolls for a decadent touch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to knead the dough well to ensure a smooth and elastic texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the date rolls, as they can become hard and dry.
- Dusting the rolls with powdered sugar adds a nice finishing touch and extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Date rolls are perfect for serving with a cup of tea or coffee as a sweet snack. They can also be served as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough well is key to achieving a smooth and elastic texture.
- Rolling the dough thinly and evenly ensures that the date rolls bake evenly.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- Coconut oil can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Make Ahead Tips
Date rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the date rolls on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. Serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Date rolls pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They also go well with a glass of dessert wine or a sweet liqueur.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store date rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of date rolls contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of date rolls contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of date rolls contains approximately 8g of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of date rolls contains approximately 2g of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Dates are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (flour).
Summary
Date rolls are a sweet and indulgent treat that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.
Summary
Date rolls are a delicious and sweet treat that are perfect for any occasion. With a buttery dough and a sweet date filling, these bite-sized delights are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or party treat!
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Date Rolls. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that I had collected over the years. As I flipped through the faded index cards, my eyes landed on a simple, handwritten recipe for Date Rolls. The ingredients were few and the instructions concise, but there was something about the combination of dates, nuts, and cinnamon that intrigued me.
I had never made Date Rolls before, but I was eager to try. I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen, and the thought of creating a new treat to share with my family brought a smile to my face. I decided then and there that I would make these Date Rolls and see just how delicious they could be.
I gathered the necessary ingredients from my pantry and set to work. The first step was to chop up the dates and nuts into small pieces. As I worked, the sweet aroma of the dates filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Next, I mixed the chopped dates and nuts together with a sprinkle of cinnamon, creating a rich, fragrant filling for the rolls.
The dough was simple to make, a combination of flour, sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. I rolled out the dough into a thin sheet, then carefully spread the date and nut filling across the surface. With practiced hands, I rolled the dough into a tight spiral, sealing the edges with a dab of water to keep the filling from spilling out.
I placed the rolls on a baking sheet and popped them into the oven, where they baked to a golden brown perfection. As the rolls cooled, I could hardly contain my excitement to taste them. When they were ready, I cut the rolls into bite-sized pieces and arranged them on a platter, ready to be served.
My family gathered around the table, their eyes wide with anticipation as I presented the Date Rolls. The first bite was pure bliss – the sweet, sticky dates mingling with the crunchy nuts and warm cinnamon created a flavor explosion in my mouth. My family's faces lit up with joy as they savored the treat, each bite more satisfying than the last.
As we enjoyed the Date Rolls together, I couldn't help but think about the journey that had brought me to this moment. Over the years, I had learned so much about cooking from various places and people – from my own mother, who taught me the basics of baking, to the kind old lady at the farmer's market who shared her secret recipe for apple pie.
Each recipe I learned was a story in itself, a tiny piece of someone else's life that I could make my own. And now, as I shared my own creation with my family, I knew that this recipe for Date Rolls would become a part of our family's story, passed down through the generations as a cherished tradition.
I smiled contentedly as I watched my loved ones savoring the Date Rolls, knowing that this simple recipe had brought us all together in a moment of pure joy. And as I looked at the empty platter in front of me, I knew that this would not be the last time I made Date Rolls – it would become a staple in our family's cookbook, a reminder of the love and laughter shared around the table.