Ingredients
To create these delectable cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (150g) of chopped dates: Dates provide a natural sweetness and chewy texture to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) of water: Used to soften the dates, making them easier to mix into the cookie dough.
- 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect crispy texture.
- 1/2 cup (113g) of unsalted butter, softened: The richness of butter adds flavor and helps achieve the desired crispiness.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and binding to the dough.
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) of all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup (100g) of chopped pecans: Adds a delightful nutty crunch to each bite.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Date Mixture
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates soften and form a thick paste.
- Remove from heat and let the date mixture cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and egg to the sugar-butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 3: Incorporate Dates and Pecans
- Fold the cooled date mixture and chopped pecans into the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon to ensure even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy Grandma’s Crispy Date and Pecan Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Soften the butter properly: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Chill the dough: For more defined shapes, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup.
Delicious Variations
- Mary Berry Date Slices: Replace pecans with walnuts and add a touch of cinnamon for a variation reminiscent of Mary Berry’s classic date slices.
- Crispy Date Slice: Roll out the dough and cut it into bars for a crispy date slice variation.
- Old-Fashioned Date Slices: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to evoke the flavors of traditional old-fashioned date slices.
- School Date Slice Recipe: Incorporate oats and desiccated coconut for a school-date slice twist.
- Cornflake Date Slice: Roll the dough in crushed cornflakes before baking for an extra crispy texture.
- Date Slice with Chocolate and Cornflakes: Add chocolate chips and crushed cornflakes to the dough for a delightful chocolate-infused twist.
- Healthy Rice Crispy Treats with Dates: Replace flour with rice flour and use almond butter for a gluten-free and healthier version.
- Chocolate Date Slice Recipe: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies once cooled for an indulgent treat.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1 cookie, approximately):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Grandma’s Crispy Date and Pecan Cookies offer a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch, making them a must-try for cookie lovers. With a touch of nostalgia and a sprinkle of modern flair, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of Mary Berry’s date slices or seeking a crispy date slice reminiscent of old-fashioned treats, this recipe has something for everyone. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures in the comments section below, and tag us on social media with your cookie creations.