Date Nut Cookies | Thumbprint Filled

Date nut cookies have long been a favorite treat, offering a sweet, chewy, and flavorful experience. Easily made at home, these cookies can be prepared quickly. These date thumbprint cookies, a delightful variation of the classic, are sure to become a staple on your holiday cookie tray.

If you’ve been reading this blog, you’ve probably guessed by now that I’m partial to dates and these date cookies are simply the best. They’re soft and chewy circles of taste bud happiness and their wonderful flavor makes them a well-loved taste treat.

I have never met a cookie that I didn’t like but these cookies are exceptional because they are so satisfying and delicious. They are a great addition to any cookie platter. But, you don’t need a holiday or event to make and eat these?

We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.

Do these cookies freeze well?

Yes. You just need to put them either in a storage container or in a gallon freezer bag but in only two layers and with parchment paper between the layers.

I freeze them because I make them and (other cookies) well before the holidays and take them out a few days before I’m going to place them on the cookie tray.

How to make thumbprint date nut cookies

Pre-step

Take out the butter at least an hour before starting the recipe. You want it to be room temperature.

Get a stand mixer and preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, get out a few cookie sheets.

Step one

Cut up dates and get a medium saucepan. Also, measure out sugar and water. (A)

Step two

Add the dates, water, and sugar to the saucepan and heat on medium-high heat. When the mixture comes to a boil, stir it every once in a while until it thickens.

This takes between 5 and 10 minutes.

Step three

Turn the heat off under the thickened date mixture, add some walnuts (or pecans), stir, and set aside. (B)

Step four

Gather the butter, brown sugar, and cane sugar or granulated white sugar. (C)

Step five

Add the sugars and softened butter to your stand mixer and cream together.

Step six

Gather the wet ingredients – Amaretto liqueur, eggs, and sour cream. (D)

Step seven

Add the wet ingredients to the mixer and mix until just incorporated. The batter will be a little loose and will look like this: (E)

Step eight

Gather the dry ingredients – sprouted spelt flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

(You can use any type of flour, like all-purpose flour, or whole wheat, but I prefer spelt).

Step nine

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir with a spatula.

Step ten

Take a small amount of cookie dough in your hands and roll it into a one-inch ball. Continue until all the dough is used up.

Step eleven

Take your thumb and stick it in each ball. You can wet your thumb with a little warm water if your fingers are sticking to the dough. (F)

Step twelve

Take a teaspoon of the date mixture and place it into the thumbprint.

Step thirteen

Place your cooking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 11 – 13 minutes until they are lightly browned.

Once out of the oven, let them cool for five minutes before taking them off the baking sheets and placing them onto wire racks to cool further. You will have to do this recipe in batches.

Let’s plate the cookies.

As I said before, these are soft cookies, so don’t expect a crunch to them. And they are deeply satisfying to eat, especially if you love dates.

Now all I have to do is plate them, pour myself some milk and DIG IN!

I hope you enjoyed this date nut cookies recipe. I bring these cookies to lots of functions and they get eaten quickly. Everyone loves them!

Other delicious cookie recipes

• Ginger molasses
• Oatmeal raisin
• Marshmallow filled chocolate
• Butterfinger
• Snickers

And as always, may all your dishes be delish!

If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below.  I love hearing from you!  You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST  to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!