Olive Oil & Date Cookies
Whenever I’m offered a cookie, I feel seen, cared for, included, special… it’s not the *actual* cookie itself, but the act of sharing that has such an impact. I call it a “cookie moment.”
I wish I could share endless trays of cookies with those around the world experiencing hardship… The least I can do is share this recipe. Maybe if we all share a little more, the world will be a better place. Inspired by “cookie moment” feels, this recipe feature 2 of the most important harvests of the Holy Land, olive oil & dates🕊
I hope your Holiday season is blessed with peace and “cookie moments.”
These Olive Oil & Date Cookies are…
•only 5 ingredients
•vegan
•naturally sugar-free
•cholesterol free
•no chilling required
•easy slice & bake
Flour: all purpose flour provides structure in the dough. Whisk flour to aerate a bit before measuring for all baking recipes. Never pack it into measuring cup.
Baking Powder: gives this dough a gentle rise and tenderness. Make sure you use BAKING POWDER (NOT baking soda! They are NOT interchangeable in recipes).
Salt: essential for flavoring dough and balancing sweetness. Sea salt, himalayan pink salt, and kosher salt are my preference in baked goods. All three have a cleaner taste profile than table salt which may sometimes leave a slight aftertaste.
Light Olive Oil: Sometimes labelled “for baking,” light olive oil has a mild taste. It provides fat and moisture. Save the extra virgin olive oil for a different dish, it may be overpowering here. Substitutions: coconut oil (warmed to liquid state), avocado oil, or other neutral oil.
Boiling Water: this is not a common cookie ingredient but it is essential in this recipe. During baking the oil and water molecules separate on a micro level creating air bubbles which gives the finished cookies a tender texture and nice bite.
Date Paste: fresh dates that have been formed into a paste with no added ingredients or preservatives. Dates are naturally sweet, contain fiber and have a deep fruity, slightly spicy taste similar to notes in cocoa. The consistency is similar to playdough but stickier. Available at Mediterranean and Middle Eastern markets or online.
Parchment Paper: needed to roll out sticky components without additional flour or oil. Also helps to neatly roll dough into a log. Substitutions: wax paper or plastic wrap.
Olive Oil & Date Cookies (40 cookies)
Ingredients
3 cups flour, all-purpose
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c light olive oil
1/2 c boiling water
Date paste (13 oz pack)
Directions
Combine flour, baking powder, salt.
Add olive oil and hot water.
Mix until a uniform dough is formed. Split into two pieces and aside to cool.
Tear two sheets of parchment paper the same size of baking sheet (approximately 16 x 12”). One sheet will be used for dough and one for filling.
Place half of date paste onto one sheet parchment paper. Fold paper horizontally over date paste. Using a rolling pin, flatten date paste to edges of parchment paper. Set aside.
Place half of dough onto remaining sheet parchment paper. Fold paper horizontally over dough. Using a rolling pin, flatten dough to edges of parchment paper. Both dough and date paste should be about the same size since the same size parchment paper is used as a guide.
Gently pull back the top parchment to expose dough.
Gently pull back top parchment to expose date paste. Lift and place date filling face down onto dough.
Roll dough lengthwise starting at end closest to you. Roll and smooth with help of parchment underneath as you go.
Slice into 20 pieces About 3/4 inch thick.
Arrange slices on baking sheet.
Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Allow to cool and enjoy as-is or with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar (optional).
AJDE, LET’S EAT! Tag me on IG if you try it @balkanbasics
