Jennie’s Filled Date Cookies
📜 Collection: JohnBCollection | ✍️ Attribution: Jennie Schmidt | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic vintage recipe featuring soft brown sugar cookies filled with a rich, cooked date and nut mixture. These delightful stuffed cookies are perfect for tea time or holiday gatherings.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 mins | 12 mins | None | 2-3 dozen |
🔪 Key Equipment
- saucepan
- mixing bowl
- cookie sheet
- teaspoon
Ingredients
Dough
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cup | Shortening | room temperature |
| 2 Cups | Brown Sugar | packed |
| 2 | Eggs | large |
| 1/2 Cup | Water, Sour Milk, or Buttermilk | divided |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla | extract |
| 3 1/2 Cups | Flour | all-purpose |
| 1 tsp | Salt | fine |
| 1 tsp | Soda | baking soda |
| 1/8 tsp | Cinnamon | ground |
Filling
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cups | Dates | cut small |
| 3/4 Cup | Sugar | granulated |
| 3/4 Cup | Water | room temperature |
| 1/2 Cup | Nuts | chopped |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups dates, 3/4 cup sugar, and 3/4 cup water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick and fragrant.
- Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup nuts, and allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup shortening, 2 cups brown sugar, and 2 eggs until smooth.
- Stir in 1/2 cup liquid (water, sour milk, or buttermilk) and 1 tsp vanilla.
- Gradually mix in 3 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp soda, and 1/8 tsp cinnamon until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Assembly and Baking
- Drop 1/2 tsp dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Place a small amount of the cooled date filling on top of the dough.
- Top with another 1/2 tsp dough to seal the filling inside.
- Bake at 350°F-375°F until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: The date filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Baked cookies stay soft when stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Original Recipe Scan
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