Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prep the Dates
- Place the chopped dates in a small bowl and cover with 1 cup of hot water. Stir in the baking soda and let them sit for 10 minutes. This softens them into a jammy, sweet paste. Drain any excess water.1 cup 140g chopped, soft Medjool dates (pitted), 1 tsp baking soda
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).1 cup 2 sticks / 225g unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar, 3/4 cup 165g packed light brown sugar
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.2 1/4 cups 280g all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, 1 tsp salt
Step 5: Bring It All Together
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until almost combined. Fold in the softened dates, rolled oats, and chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula. The dough will be thick and sticky.1 cup 2 sticks / 225g unsalted butter, softened, 2 1/4 cups 280g all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups 150g old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup 120g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Step 6: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
- For the best, chewiest results, cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This prevents overspreading.
Step 7: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, placing mounds about 2 inches apart on the sheets.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft and slightly underdone. Do not overbake!
Step 9: Cool
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Notes
- The heart of this recipe is the date paste. Don't skip the soaking step with baking soda—it transforms the dates into a sticky, sweet binder that gives the cookies their signature moist, rich center.
- For an extra "Dubai" touch, you can press a small piece of date or a pistachio on top of each cookie dough ball before baking. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
