Cookies with date cream

Date Cream Cookies: A Storybook Delicacy

If you are looking for a dessert recipe that will bring a smile to your face and to your loved ones, date cream cookies are the perfect choice. These cookies are more than just simple snacks; they are an explosion of flavors and textures, ideal for enjoying alongside a fragrant coffee in the morning or during afternoon tea. Making them is not complicated at all, and the final result is a delicacy you won’t forget anytime soon.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 30 cookies

Ingredients you need:

For the cream (filling):
- 200 g pitted dried dates: These are the base of the filling, providing a sweet taste and pleasant texture.
- 100 g raisins: It’s best to choose the juiciest ones, as they will contribute to a soft filling.
- 50 g nuts: You can opt for pecans or walnuts, depending on your preferences.
- 2 tablespoons grated orange peel: This will add a citrus accent that will enhance the flavors.

For the dough:
- 280 g high-quality white flour: Make sure to use fine flour for optimal texture.
- 60 g powdered sugar: I recommend powdered sugar for a finer dough.
- 110 g butter: Choose good-quality butter, as it will influence the final taste of the cookies.
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil: This will help achieve a soft and elastic dough.
- 60 ml cow's milk: Milk adds moisture and contributes to the tenderness of the dough.
- 0.5 teaspoons baking powder: This will help the cookies rise and become fluffy.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the cream
The first step is to start with the filling. Soak the raisins in boiling water for about 30 minutes. This will make them juicier and easier to incorporate into the cream. Meanwhile, measure the nuts and dates, making sure to clean the nuts of any woody fragments.

2. Creating the filling
Once the raisins have hydrated, drain them and add them to a blender along with the nuts, dates, and grated orange peel. Blend everything until you get a smooth paste. This filling will be sweet and aromatic, perfect for filling the cookies.

3. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Then add the powdered sugar, diced butter, oil, and milk. Knead everything until you get a soft and non-sticky dough. There is no need to add flour on the surface, as the dough will not stick.

4. Shaping the cookies
Roll the dough into a long log about 30 cm long and cut it into pieces 1 cm thick. You can make the cookies larger or smaller, depending on your preferences. Each piece is shaped into a ball and gently flattened between your palms. In the center of each piece, place a teaspoon of date filling.

5. Closing and shaping the cookies
Wrap the filling in the dough, forming a ball again, then gently flatten it. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a 1 cm space between them, as they will spread slightly during baking.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 160-165°C. Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie to create an X pattern on top. You can sprinkle granulated sugar on top, but this step is optional. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, until they are lightly golden. Check them after 10 minutes and move the tray to the top rack of the oven to avoid burning the bottom.

7. Cooling and serving
Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on a rack. These date cream cookies are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a cup of coffee or fragrant tea, turning every bite into a delightful experience.

Helpful tips:
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as cocoa or cinnamon, for a different flavor.
- Storage: These cookies store well in a plastic bag or an airtight container for a few weeks.
- Rustic appearance: If you don’t want to use sugar on top, the cookies will have a rustic appearance but will be just as tasty.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can replace the nuts with almonds or pistachios to vary the flavor.
- Is it necessary to put sugar on top? No, the sugar on top is optional, but it gives a more attractive appearance to the cookies.
- How can I tell if the cookies are done? Check the bottom; if it’s lightly browned, the cookies are ready.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Date cream cookies are a healthy option, thanks to natural ingredients like dates and nuts, which are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Each serving (about 2 cookies) contains around 150-200 calories, depending on size and ingredients used.

These date cream cookies are not just a dessert, but also a great way to bring a touch of joy to every day. Whether you make them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, I’m sure they will quickly become your favorites. Enjoy them with pleasure and savor every bite!

 Ingredients: FILLING Dried dates without pits - 200 g Raisins - 100 g Walnuts - 50 g Grated orange peel - 2 tablespoons DOUGH High-quality white flour - 280 g Powdered sugar - 60 g Butter - 110 g Odorless oil - 2 tablespoons Cow's milk - 60 ml Baking powder - 0.5 teaspoons

 Tags:  date cream pastries