Sugar-Free Date Cookies: Sweet and Wholesome, perfect for everyone. This recipe comes from a simple and loving idea: to make a cookie for my little niece, who is still weaning and cannot eat salt or sugar. But could Aunt Debby give up baking a homemade treat for her? Obviously not! So, I decided to create naturally sweet cookies, replacing sugar with dates, a wonderful fruit rich in energy. Dates, in fact, contain fiber, minerals, and natural sugars that give the dough a soft and delicate sweetness, without the need for refined sugars. I adapted my classic shortcrust recipe to make it lighter and suitable even for young children. The result is wholesome cookies, with a delightful aroma and soft texture, that not only my niece enjoyed… but also all of us adults couldn’t resist trying them!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 25 cookies
- Cooking methods: Oven, Electric oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 7 oz pitted dates
- 1/2 cup water (warm)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 7 oz butter (soft)
Steps
To prepare my sugar-free date cookies, I started by soaking the dates in water for about 10 minutes to soften them. Once ready, I removed the pits and blended them with about 1/2 cup of warm water, obtaining a smooth and thick cream, similar to date paste.
In a bowl, I combined the flour and cornstarch, then added the egg, softened butter, and date cream, beginning to knead by hand. The dough is soft and slightly sticky, but don’t worry: after resting, it will be perfect to work with.
I covered the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for about half an hour, but you can leave it longer.
After the resting time, I slightly wet my hands under running water and formed small balls, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I baked the cookies at 356°F for about 20 minutes, until they turned a beautiful golden color. Once out of the oven, I let them cool for a few minutes… and I must say the aroma immediately won over the whole family! Soft, sweet, and wholesome: perfect for a healthy snack, even for the little ones.
NOTES
These sugar-free date cookies were created with my little niece in mind, who is going through the weaning phase and beginning to discover the genuine flavors of homemade food. They are perfect for very young children because they contain no refined sugars, only the natural sweetness of dates. Their soft texture makes them easy to enjoy even for those taking their first steps at the table, but I assure you that adults will love them too! They are great for breakfast, with a cup of milk or tea, or as a healthy and light snack. They keep for a few days in an airtight container, but they likely won’t last long… because one leads to another! A simple, wholesome, and sweet recipe just like an aunt’s hug.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are these cookies suitable for children who are weaning?
Absolutely yes! They were created precisely for this: they contain no refined sugars or salt, only simple and wholesome ingredients. They are ideal for those starting to discover new flavors, always under pediatric advice.
How do you store the date cookies?
Store them in an airtight container for 3-4 days, away from heat sources. If you want to keep them softer, you can add a slice of apple inside the container: it will help preserve natural moisture.
