๐ช Aunt Alma’s Sour Cream Date Cookies ๐ช
History:
Aunt Alma’s Sour Cream Date Cookies are a delightful and time-tested family recipe that has been passed down through generations. These cookies have their roots in traditional American baking, where the use of sour cream in baked goods provides a tender and moist texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pecans)
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Dates: In a small bowl, mix the chopped dates and baking soda. Add hot water to cover the dates and let them soak for 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Creaming: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This is a key step to achieve a tender cookie texture.
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Incorporate Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the ingredients are well combined.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Sour Cream Mixture: Gently fold the soaked dates and sour cream into the cookie dough. This addition will ensure that the cookies are moist and flavorful.
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Add Nuts: Finally, stir in the chopped nuts of your choice. Typically, walnuts or pecans work well. The nuts will provide a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and will also enhance the cookies’ texture.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
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Baking: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a greased or lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these delicious cookies are ready to enjoy!
Preparation Time:
- The total preparation time, including soaking the dates and chilling the dough, is about 2-3 hours.
Aunt Alma’s Sour Cream Date Cookies are a wonderful treat with a rich history and a perfect combination of sweetness and a touch of tang from the sour cream. ๐ฅฎ Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful cookies! ๐๐ช
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for Aunt Alma’s Sour Cream Date Cookies. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used:
Nutrition Facts for 1 Cookie (approx.):
- Calories: 120-150 kcal
- Total Fat: 6-8g
- Saturated Fat: 3-4g
- Cholesterol: 20-30mg
- Sodium: 70-100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8-10g
- Protein: 1-2g
Health Information:
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Moderation: While Aunt Alma’s Sour Cream Date Cookies are delicious, they are a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.
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Fiber: These cookies contain a small amount of dietary fiber due to the dates, which can aid in digestion.
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Nuts: Nuts, often added to these cookies, are a source of healthy fats, protein, and important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. They can provide some nutritional benefits.
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Calories: Each cookie is relatively low in calories, making it a reasonable snack option when enjoyed in appropriate portion sizes.
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Sugar: These cookies contain a moderate amount of sugar, which can contribute to a quick energy boost. However, it’s important to limit your sugar intake to maintain a balanced diet.
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Portion Control: When enjoying these cookies, be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie and sugar intake. One or two cookies can satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.
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Sour Cream: Sour cream is used in the recipe, which adds a creamy texture but also contributes to the fat content. If you’re concerned about the fat content, you can explore low-fat or yogurt-based alternatives.
Remember that these cookies are a delightful treat, but like most baked goods, they are best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a dietary staple. Balanced eating includes a variety of foods to meet your nutritional needs. ๐๐ช