Date-Nut Rocks
📜 Collection: General Archive | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic, old-fashioned drop cookie packed with an incredible amount of dates, raisins, and nuts. These dense, chewy treats are full of warm spice flavor and perfect for holiday gifting.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 15 mins | 1 hour | 5–6 dozen cookies |
🔪 Key Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- medium mixing bowl
- cookie sheets
- sifter
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2/3 cup | Shortening | room temperature |
| 1 cup | Brown Sugar | packed |
| 2 | Eggs | slightly beaten |
| 1 1/2 cups | Flour | all-purpose |
| 1/4 tsp | Baking Soda | None |
| 1/2 tsp | Baking Powder | None |
| 1/4 tsp | Salt | None |
| 1/2 tsp | Cloves | ground |
| 1 tsp | Cinnamon | ground |
| 1/2 tsp | Allspice | ground |
| 2 tbsp | Sherry or Brandy | None |
| 2 cups | Dates | chopped |
| 2 cups | Raisins | None |
| 2 cups | Nuts | broken |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation and Mixing
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease cookie sheets.
- In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cloves, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp allspice.
- In a large bowl, cream 2/3 cup shortening and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs and mix well.
Step 2: Combining and Chilling
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with 2 tbsp sherry or brandy, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in 2 cups dates, 2 cups raisins, and 2 cups nuts by hand.
- Cover the dough and chill for at least one hour until firm to the touch.
Step 3: Baking
- Drop by teaspoonfuls 2-3 inches apart onto prepared sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are set and the cookies are fragrant.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: The dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours before baking, or frozen in pre-portioned balls for up to 3 months.
Original Recipe Scan
