Cookies filled with raisins and dates

Filled cookies with raisins and dates - a delight full of flavors!

Who doesn't love the sweet taste and pleasant texture of cookies? These filled cookies with raisins and dates are a perfect choice for a quick snack, a savory breakfast, or even an elegant dessert. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these cookies will bring a smile to your face. I will present the recipe step by step, adding some useful tips and information about the ingredients.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cookies

The story behind the cookies

Filled cookies with raisins and dates are a classic recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. These sweet treats are not only delicious but also nutritious, thanks to the natural ingredients used. Dates and raisins add a touch of sweetness, while the nuts provide a crunchy texture that perfectly contrasts with the soft dough.

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 200 g dates (pitted)
- 100 g raisins (soaked for about 1 hour)
- 50 g nuts (coarsely chopped)
- Zest of 1 orange

For the dough:
- 280 g all-purpose flour
- 60 g powdered sugar
- 110 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 60 ml milk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the raisins: Start by soaking the raisins in a bowl of warm water for about an hour. This step is essential for achieving a soft and moist filling.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a blender, add the dates, drained raisins, nuts, and grated orange zest. Blend until you obtain a smooth paste. Make sure there are no large chunks left, but do not over-blend; the texture should remain slightly grainy for added flavor.

Preparing the dough

1. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour, powdered sugar, and baking powder. Mix them well to ensure the ingredients are combined.

2. Adding the wet ingredients: In the center of the dry ingredient mixture, add the soft butter, oil, and milk. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients. It is important not to knead the dough too much to maintain the delicate texture of the cookies.

3. Forming the dough: When the dough is combined, shape it into a roll about 5 cm in diameter. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This step will help firm up the dough and make it easier to cut.

Forming the cookies

1. Cutting the dough: Once the dough has cooled, remove it from the refrigerator and cut it into pieces about 1 cm thick.

2. Filling: Flatten each piece of dough in your palms or on a floured surface. Add a teaspoon of the date and raisin filling in the center.

3. Forming the cookies: Push the edges of the dough towards the center, ensuring the filling is well covered. Gently twist the cookie to give it a flat shape. If desired, you can use a rolling cutter to add a pattern on top.

4. Sprinkling sugar: Before baking, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on each cookie for the desired appearance and a crunchy texture.

Baking the cookies

1. Preparing the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a small space between them to bake evenly.

2. Baking: Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes or until they turn slightly golden at the edges, but do not let them brown too much; they should remain soft and tender.

Serving and suggestions

Once the cookies have cooled slightly on a rack, they are ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them plain or alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. These cookies are also excellent for breakfast, alongside natural yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as:
- Cocoa for a chocolatey taste
- Cinnamon for a warm aroma
- Dried fruits, such as apricots or figs

Nutritional benefits

These cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Dates and raisins are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the nuts add healthy proteins and beneficial fats. The cookies are a good choice for those looking for an energizing and healthy snack.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the dates with something else?
Yes, you can use apple or banana puree, but the texture and taste will change.

2. How can I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft, or you can freeze them for later consumption.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

These filled cookies with raisins and dates are a true treat, perfect for any time of the day. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite!