I recently discovered a new love for date roll cookies after a delightful lunch at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Atlanta. These cookies were the perfect ending to our meal, and I couldn’t resist taking a few home with me. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate these delicious treats in my own kitchen.
These cookies are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and typically contain a combination of dates and spices. Locals often serve them during special occasions, such as weddings and holidays, and are a symbol of hospitality and generosity. The cookies are not only delicious but also have a rich cultural significance that makes them even more special.
Making them at home may seem intimidating at first, but with a little patience and practice, anyone can master this recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. So, let’s get started and discover the magic of these cookies!
I was dining at a Lebanese restaurant a few weeks ago when I came across this delicious dessert – date roll cookies. Our waitress, an older Lebanese woman with a warm smile, brought them to our table after we had finished our meal.
The cookies were small, bite-sized rolls filled with sweet dates and coated in powdered sugar. They were soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. I had never tasted anything like them before, and I immediately asked our waitress for the recipe.
She told me that the cookies were a traditional Lebanese dessert, often served during special occasions like weddings and holidays. She had learned how to make them from her grandmother when she was a young girl, and she had been making them ever since.
Suddenly, I heard a loud noise coming from the front of the kitchen. I turned my head to see what was happening and found two of my staff members in a heated argument.
Another staff member quickly intervened and tried to calm them down, but things escalated quickly, and before I knew it, they were throwing punches at each other. It was a chaotic scene, and I was worried that anybody might get hurt.
After the commotion settled, I couldn’t resist asking the chef for the recipe for these scrumptious cookies we had for dessert. The chef was more than happy to share the recipe with me, and I couldn’t wait to try it out in my own kitchen.
When I asked the chef for the recipe, he was very friendly and forthcoming. He explained the ingredients and the steps involved in making the cookies. He even shared some tips and tricks to ensure that the cookies turn out perfect every time. These are the ingredients he shared with me: table cream, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, sugar, and a package of date paste. That’s it! The recipe is simple yet delicious. The chef emphasized the importance of using high-quality ingredients to get the best results.
When it comes to serving date roll cookies, there are many dishes that can complement this delicious dessert. Here are some of my favorite dishes that pair well with them:
- Tea or Coffee: A hot cup of tea or coffee is the perfect accompaniment to these cookies. The sweetness of the cookies pairs well with the bitterness of the tea or coffee.
- Fruit Salad: A bowl of fresh fruit salad is a great way to balance the sweetness of the date cookies. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- Ice Cream: Date cookies are perfect for making ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies and enjoy!
Overall, these cookies are a versatile dessert that you can enjoy with a variety of dishes. Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, there’s a dish out there that will complement your cookies perfectly.
Ingredients:
To make delicious these cookies, I will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 7.6 oz table cream
- 1 pound date paste package. Most likely that you won’t need it all
It’s essential to use unsalted butter to avoid adding unnecessary salt to the recipe. The butter should be at room temperature to make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
All-purpose flour is the best choice for this recipe because it provides the right texture and consistency. The sugar adds sweetness to the cookies, and the table cream makes them soft and moist.
Date paste is the star of this recipe, and it’s what gives the cookies their unique flavor. You might not need the entire pound of date paste, depending on your preference for sweetness.
With these ingredients, we can start making the dough for our cookies.
How to Make Date Roll Cookies?
- To make delicious cookies, start by making the dough. In a large bowl, add butter, sugar, flour, and table cream. Mix all the ingredients together well using your hands until they are blended together. Then, form the dough into a firm ball and put it in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Next, prepare the filling. Take about 1 teaspoon of date paste and roll it into a small roll, around 2 inches long. Repeat this process for all the date paste and set them aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray your baking tray lined with parchment paper with baking spray. On a lightly floured countertop or in your working area, Roll the dough until it is thin, about 1/4 inch or less thick. Then, cut the dough into rounds using a 3-inch diameter circle cutter or a glass cup.
- For cookie assembly, place a rolled date paste in the center of each round-cut dough and shape them into cylinders. Arrange the date rolls on the baking tray and bake until the cookie bottoms turn golden, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- After baking them, allow them to cool before serving and enjoying! These cookies are a perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
When it comes to storing and serving these date cookies, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that they stay fresh and delicious.
Firstly, it is important to store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help to prevent them from becoming stale or dry. If you plan on storing them for an extended period of time, you can also freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
When it comes to serving, the cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They make a great snack on their own, but can also be paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a more indulgent experience. Additionally, they can be used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt or crumbled over a fruit salad for added texture and flavor.
For a festive touch, you can also decorate your cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. This will not only add to their visual appeal but also enhance their taste.
Overall, with proper storage and a little creativity, the cookies can be enjoyed in many ways and are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making these cookies, there are a few common mistakes that can easily be avoided. Here are some tips to ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Mistake #1: Overworking the Dough
Another mistake that people make is overworking the dough. Overworking the dough can result in a tough and chewy cookie. To avoid this, handle the dough as little as possible. Mix the ingredients until just combined, then wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Mistake #2: Rolling the Dough Too Thin
Rolling the dough too thin can result in a cookie that is too crispy and falls apart easily. To avoid this, roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. This will ensure that the cookies hold their shape and have a nice, chewy texture.
Mistake #3: Not Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough is an important step in making date cookies. Chilling the dough helps it to firm up and makes it easier to handle. If you skip this step, your cookies may not hold their shape and may spread out too much during baking.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your date cookies turn out perfectly every time. Remember to use fresh, moist dates, handle the dough as little as possible, roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch, and chill the dough before baking. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, chewy date cookies that are sure to impress.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning about date roll cookies as much as I enjoyed making them! These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon snack. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
One of the things I love most about these cookies is their versatility. You can switch up the filling to suit your taste preferences. For example, I love using chopped pecans or walnuts in my date filling, but you could also use almonds, pistachios, or even dried fruit like apricots or cranberries.
Another great thing about date cookies is that they’re a healthier alternative to many other types of cookies. Dates are naturally sweet, so you don’t need to add a lot of sugar to the recipe. Plus, they’re a good source of fiber and other nutrients.
When it comes to serving date cookies, the possibilities are endless. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, or you can enjoy them all to yourself with a cup of tea or coffee. You could even package them up in a cute tin or box and give them as a gift.
Overall, date roll cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that I highly recommend trying out. With their sweet and chewy filling and buttery cookie exterior, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your household.
