Sugar-Free Date Cookies: Sweet and Wholesome, perfect for both adults and children. This recipe comes from a simple, loving idea: to make a cookie for my niece, who is still weaning and cannot eat salt or sugar. But could Aunt Debby give up baking homemade treats for her? Of course not! So I decided to create naturally sweet cookies by replacing sugar with dates, a wonderful fruit full of energy. Dates 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 for small children. The result is wholesome cookies with a delightful aroma and soft texture that everyone, not just my niece, couldn’t resist trying!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 25 cookies
- Cooking methods: Electric oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 7 oz pitted dates
- 1/2 cup water (warm)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
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 paste, similar to date paste.
In a bowl, I combined the flour and cornstarch, then added the egg, softened butter, and date paste, starting 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, though you can leave it for longer.
After the time has elapsed, 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 350°F for about 20 minutes until they turned a nice golden color. Once out of the oven, I let them cool for a few minutes… and I must say the aroma quickly 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 born with my niece in mind, who is going through the weaning phase and starting 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 they will also please adults! They are great for breakfast with a cup of milk or tea, or as a healthy and light snack. They can be stored for a few days in an airtight container, but they probably 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
Are these cookies suitable for babies in the weaning stage?
Absolutely yes! They were created for this purpose: they contain no refined sugars or salt, just simple and wholesome ingredients. They are ideal for those starting to discover new flavors, always under the advice of a pediatrician.
How should date cookies be stored?
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 retain natural moisture.
