Date-filled cookies

Date-filled cookies are a treat inspired by Middle Eastern sweets. I can propose a version enriched with an Italian touch, perhaps by adding some orange zest to give an extra freshness. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 200 g of type 00 flour
• 100 g of butter at room temperature
• 50 g of sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• Grated zest of 1 orange (optional, for an Italian touch)
• 200 g of pitted dates
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch of ground cloves
• Icing sugar for decoration (optional)

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, cream the butter with sugar until smooth. Add the egg and grated orange zest and mix well.

2. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet and work the dough until it is uniform and compact. If necessary, add a little milk to reach the desired consistency. Form a ball, wrap it in cling film, and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the date filling by placing them in a saucepan with water, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook over medium-low heat until the dates have softened and absorbed almost all the water, forming a paste. Let cool.

4. Take the dough out of the fridge, divide it into small portions about the size of a walnut and roll each one out into thin circles. Place a teaspoon of the date filling in the center of each circle and close the cookie, sealing the edges well.

5. Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

6. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. If desired, you can dust them with icing sugar before serving.

Curiosities

Dates are a very common ingredient in Middle Eastern and North African cuisines and are often used in sweets and pastries. These date-filled cookies can be varied with the addition of dried fruit such as chopped nuts or almonds in the filling to add crunchiness and flavor.