Golden Date Treasure Cookies
Golden Date Treasure Cookies are delicate cream cheese pastry cookies wrapped around a rich filling of sweet dates, crunchy walnuts, fragrant orange zest, and vanilla. Lightly dusted with sparkling sugar, these elegant cookies are perfect for the holidays, afternoon tea, or sharing as homemade edible gifts.
Equipment
- 2-quart saucepan
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
- electric mixer
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry wheel or sharp knife
- plastic wrap
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 teaspoons coarse white sparkling sugar
For the Date Filling
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box 8 oz chopped dates
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a rectangle.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, combine the chopped dates, water, and granulated sugar in a saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the orange zest, vanilla, and chopped walnuts.
- Allow the filling to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a 10-inch square.
- Cut each square into 25 equal pieces.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each square.
- Fold two opposite corners over the filling and gently press to seal.
- Whisk together the egg white and water.
- Brush each cookie lightly with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle with the coarse sparkling sugar.
- Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their beautiful shape while baking. Allow the date filling to cool completely before assembling the cookies to prevent the dough from becoming too soft. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to five days, or freeze them for up to three months. These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts when packaged in decorative tins or cellophane bags with a festive ribbon.Wine Advice
Serve these festive cookies with a chilled Moscato, whose floral sweetness beautifully complements the dates and orange. For an indulgent dessert pairing, enjoy them with a glass of Tawny Port, whose rich caramel and dried fruit notes match the walnut filling perfectly.Nutrition values
Calories: 60 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 3 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Sodium: 30 mg | Sugar: 4 g