🍪 Aunt Alma’s Sour Cream Date Cookies 🍪
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 350°F (175°C).
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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. 🥮 Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful cookies! 😊🍪
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. 😊🍪