Golden, chewy, and bursting with caramel-like richness, these Sweet Date Cookies are the comforting classic you didn’t know you needed. They’re crisp on the edges and soft in the center, with a natural sweetness from chopped dates that balances beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of toasted pecans.

Ideal for tea time, dessert trays, or even breakfast on the go, these cookies pack nutrition and nostalgia in each bite. Plus, they store well and taste even better the next day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe delivers a delightful cookie experience that feels both familiar and fresh.
Can I Use Pre-Chopped Dates or Medjool Dates?
Both work great! Medjool dates have a richer, softer texture and more natural sweetness, while pre-chopped dates are convenient but may contain added sugar and a bit of starch to prevent sticking. If using Medjool dates, remove the pits and chop them yourself for the best chewy texture in your cookies.
Ingredients for the Sweet Date Cookies
Chopped Dates – These are the star of the cookie, adding natural sweetness and a rich, chewy texture.
Unsalted Butter – Creates a tender, flavorful base and helps achieve that irresistible golden brown color.
Brown Sugar – Enhances the cookie’s depth with a molasses note that pairs perfectly with dates.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps crisp up the cookie edges.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together and contributes to a soft, chewy middle.
Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavors with a warm aromatic touch.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives the cookies structure and balance.
Baking Soda – Ensures the cookies rise slightly for a soft bite.
Salt – Just a pinch brightens all the other flavors.
Chopped Pecans – Add crunch and a nutty balance to the sweet, sticky dates.
Cinnamon – Optional, but a dash brings in cozy warmth that complements the dates beautifully.
How To Make the Sweet Date Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Chop the dates if needed, and toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet for extra flavor. Let them cool.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Dates and Pecans
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the chopped dates and toasted pecans.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and space them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later.

How to Serve and Store Sweet Date Cookies
These cookies are divine served warm with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert fix. To store, place cooled cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for 4-5 days or up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Want to freeze them? Just pop the baked cookies into a freezer-safe bag and enjoy for up to 3 months.
What to Serve With Sweet Date Cookies?
Coffee or Espresso
Perfectly balances the sweetness with bold, bitter notes.
Masala Chai
The spiced aroma enhances the warm cinnamon and nutty undertones in the cookie.
Greek Yogurt with Honey
Layer crumbled date cookies into yogurt for a healthy dessert parfait.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Use two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream in between.
Fresh Fruit Platter
Pair cookies with sliced apples, pears, or grapes for a refreshing bite.
Whipped Cream Cheese Spread
Great for a creamy contrast that plays up the cookie’s sweetness.
Oat Milk or Almond Milk
A dairy-free pairing that complements the nutty profile.
A Wedge of Brie
If you’re adventurous, serve these cookies on a cheese board with brie and figs.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If these Sweet Date Cookies made your day, try these equally addictive treats next:
- Twix Cookie Cups for a chocolate-caramel crunch.
- Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies with old-school charm.
- Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake if you’re craving a show-stopping dessert.
- Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts for something bite-sized and cozy.
- Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for buttery indulgence with a chewy center.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add orange zest or a touch of nutmeg? Did you try these with walnuts instead? I love hearing how you customize your baking experience.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Sweet Date Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Date Cookies are your next cozy obsession. Golden on the edges, soft in the center, and loaded with chewy chopped dates and toasted pecans, they strike the perfect balance of sweet and nutty. These cookies come together in under 30 minutes and work beautifully as a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a dessert with coffee. Packed with flavor, these easy cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves wholesome baking, dessert ideas that don’t skimp on flavor, or just wants a go-to easy recipe for any time of year.
Ingredients
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
1. Chop the dates if needed, and toast the pecans lightly. Let them cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy (2-3 minutes).
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in chopped dates and toasted pecans gently.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions and place 2 inches apart.
9. Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are just set.
10. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
For extra flavor, soak dates in warm orange juice for 10 minutes before using.
To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based margarine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: date cookies, quick dessert, healthy snack, cookie recipe
