Description
Date roll cookies are classic old fashioned cookies made with a soft buttery dough rolled around a sweet homemade date filling. The dough is shaped into logs, chilled, sliced into pinwheel shapes, and baked until lightly golden. These cookies are tender, rich, and filled with naturally sweet dates, making them a favorite for holidays, tea time, or everyday baking.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for about 36 cookies)
For the Dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Date Filling:
2 cups chopped pitted dates
¾ cup water
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon orange zest (optional for orange date pinwheel cookies)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional – omit for date pinwheel cookies without nuts)
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Date Filling
In a small saucepan, combine chopped dates, water, and sugar.
Cook over medium heat while stirring until the mixture thickens into a paste, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in lemon juice and orange zest if using.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Divide the dough into two portions.
Roll each portion on lightly floured parchment paper into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
Spread half of the cooled date filling evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle nuts if using.
Roll the dough tightly into a log using the parchment paper to help.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours until firm. This helps create clean pinwheel slices.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the chilled dough logs into ¼ inch rounds and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- For Easy Date Roll Cookies: Chill the dough well before slicing to maintain the pinwheel shape.
- For Orange Date Pinwheel Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon orange zest to the filling for a bright citrus flavor.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Dough logs can be frozen for up to 2 months and sliced when ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1–2 hours
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baked / Rolled / Sliced
- Cuisine: American Classic