Imagine biting into a cookie so decadent, so perfectly balanced between sweet and nutty, that it instantly transports you to a cozy holiday gathering. These Holiday Date Nut Cookies are not just another dessert—they're a festive experience that combines the rich, caramel-like sweetness of dates with the satisfying crunch of nuts, all wrapped up in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped dates and chopped nuts using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality dates for the best flavor and texture. Medjool dates work exceptionally well.
- Toast your nuts before chopping to enhance their natural flavor and add depth to the cookies.
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie consistency.
- Don't overmix the dough—mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform cookie sizes to ensure even baking.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- For an extra festive touch, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or dust them with powdered sugar.
- These cookies freeze beautifully—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months for make-ahead convenience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
