Cookies filled with date paste
Date-filled cookies – a delightful taste of the East
Today, I present to you a recipe for cookies filled with date paste, inspired by the well-known blog of Simone Callas, but with a personal touch. These cookies are not just a simple snack, but a true culinary experience that combines flavors and textures, bringing a sprinkle of magic in every bite. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this simple yet refined dessert, perfect for any occasion!
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 14-16 cookies
Ingredients for the dough:
- 150 g butter (ideally at room temperature)
- 125 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 350 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Ingredients for the filling:
- 200 g pitted dates
- Juice of one orange
- Grated zest of one orange
- Nuts from 5-6 walnuts (preferably Romanian walnuts or pecans)
Preparing the cookies:
Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by mixing the softened butter with the powdered sugar, using a mixer or a spatula. Make sure the butter is well incorporated and the mixture becomes creamy. Add the egg, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest, continuing to mix until you achieve a homogeneous composition. This step will add a fresh flavor to your cookies.
Step 2: Integrating the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Then, gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter composition, using your hands to knead gently until you obtain a fine and non-sticky dough. If the dough becomes too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, but avoid overdoing it to maintain a soft texture.
Step 3: Preparing the filling
To make the filling, remove the pits from the dates and place them in a bowl. Add the orange juice and let them hydrate for 10 minutes. Then, use an immersion blender to turn the dates into a paste. Add the orange zest and coarsely chopped nuts to add extra texture and flavor. This rich filling will bring a sweet-sour taste, perfect for your cookies.
Step 4: Shaping the cookies
Grease the citrus juicer lid with a little oil (this trick will help prevent the dough from sticking) and line it with plastic wrap. Divide the dough into 14-16 equal balls. Take each ball and place it in the juicer's hole, spreading it on the edges to create a depression in the middle. Use the end of a wooden spoon or your fingers to form a small nest for the filling. Fill each depression with a teaspoon of date paste and cover with the remaining dough.
Step 5: Baking
Carefully place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cookies for 25 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden, but do not let them brown too much, or they risk becoming dry.
Step 6: Cooling and serving
After baking, remove the cookies and place them on a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance. These cookies are delicious both warm and cold and can be served alongside a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee.
Helpful tips:
1. Make sure the butter is soft but not melted. This will help achieve a finer texture in the dough.
2. You can replace the nuts with hazelnuts or almonds for a personalized touch.
3. If you want to add extra flavor, add a little cardamom or cinnamon to the filling.
4. If you prefer less sweet cookies, slightly reduce the amount of sugar in the dough.
Nutritional benefits:
Dates are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, having a high content of potassium and magnesium. These cookies can be a healthy choice for a sweet snack, providing a natural source of energy.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other dried fruits instead of dates?
Sure! You can experiment with figs or dried peaches, but you will need to adjust the amount of orange juice depending on their moisture.
- How can I store the cookies?
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to try this wonderful recipe and enjoy every bite! Date-filled cookies are perfect for savoring with loved ones, bringing a touch of warmth and joy to every moment. Enjoy!
Ingredients: dough: 150 g butter 125 g powdered sugar 1 packet vanilla sugar 1 egg grated zest of one lemon 350 g flour 1 teaspoon baking powder filling: 200 g pitted dates juice of one orange grated zest of one orange meat from 5-6 walnuts
