This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Please read our disclosure policy.
Just a few more days until Christmas…can you believe it? If you are anything like me, the time has gone too fast! Each year I seem to have more I want to do before Christmas and every year seems to give less time to do it all! But do not worry – I extend my season well into the New Year (even though the marketers do not).
Here is one last hurrah of my favorite Christmas cookie that is truly a staple, at least in my family. It’s one of those treats we must make every year for it to feel like Christmas. All my treats and candies are given as gifts and used at my parties throughout the season, adorning plates and perched on our tables, looking about as pretty as they are delicious!
These date and nut pinwheels are perfectly light, simple, and utterly delicious.
I hope this cookie warms your home and brightens your plate of Christmas goodies. Bring a neighbor or loved one a smile with your baked wonders. What a wonderful way to let someone know you’re thinking of them and wishing them a joyous season!
Happy baking!
More Christmas Cookies
- After dinner mint cookies
- Chocolate thin mint Christmas cookies
- Molasses crinkle cookies
- Chocolate, ginger, and dulce de leche cookies
- Caramel thumbprint cookies
- Peanut butter cup cookies
- Great grandma’s gingerbread cookies
Date & Nut Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients
For the filling
- ½ lb pitted dates
- ⅓ cup water
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup chopped and toasted walnuts
For the cookies
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Chop the pitted dates into small pieces. Put dates in a saucepan along with the water, maple syrup, orange zest, and orange juice. Lightly boil for 5 minutes until the mixture is thick. Remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature. Once cool, stir in chopped walnuts.½ lb pitted dates, ⅓ cup water, ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 tbsp orange zest, ¼ cup fresh orange juice, ¼ cup chopped and toasted walnuts
- In a mixer, combine the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on medium until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add the egg and mix to combine, 1 minute.8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup light brown sugar, 1 large egg
- To the mixer, add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix until no dry streaks remain, 1-2 minutes. Put pastry dough in the refrigerator and chill slightly, minimum 1 hour.2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp baking soda
- Roll out dough on floured parchment paper to a roughly 12×14-inch rectangle.
- Spoon the cooked and cooled date mixture on top of the dough. Spread evenly to all edges.
- Use the parchment paper to slowly lift the dough and date mixture, rolling it like a jelly roll. Once rolled, place in the refrigerator until well chilled, 4-6 hours (or overnight).
- Cut chilled dough into ¼-inch pieces with a sharp knife and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes at 375°F until golden.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
going to make these love dates in date and nut loaf too. thanks for posting
Everyone in my family loved these cookies…. My daughter said she thinks this is the best cookie she has ever tasted!!! Thank you for sharing your recipes
A new favourite! Thank you!
My mom use to make these cookies at Christmas time. What a wonderful surprise when I was watching your videos and saw this recipe. I just made them this evening. Every recipe I’ve made of yours turns our so flavorful. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas