Chocolate Date Roll Cookies with Crunchy Nut Filling
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- Rolling Pin
- Mixing bowls
- Chef's knife
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ cups/300 grams soft, pitted dates
- ¼ cup/60 grams natural peanut butter
- ⅓ cup/40 grams pecans, almonds, or peanuts, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup/85 grams dark chocolate, melted
Filling:
- 1 teaspoon pistachio butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon almond flour
- 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice
- Crushed pistachios, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Line a sheet of parchment paper and arrange the pitted dates in a tight, even row across the width of the paper. Cover with another sheet and roll firmly with a rolling pin until compact and uniform. Remove the top paper and flip the date layer so the sticky side faces up. Spread the peanut butter in a line across the center. Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the top.
- Using the parchment to help you, gently roll the dates into a tight log and press the seam to seal. If the roll is too soft or sticky, freeze for 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave or over a double boiler. Once the roll is firm, remove from the parchment and coat it with the chocolate using a spoon, or roll it in the chocolate for a full coating. Return to the parchment and freeze again until the chocolate is set, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Slice into rounds and serve chilled or at room temperature.
FAQ
How can I make these date roll cookies nut-free?
Replace the peanut butter with a seed butter such as sunflower seed butter or tahini. For crunch, you can use toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of chopped nuts. Be sure to check that any chocolate used is free of cross-contamination with nuts if serving someone with a nut allergy. The rest of the base—dates and chocolate—are naturally nut-free, so it’s an easy adaptation that still preserves the richness and texture of the original date roll cookies.
Do the date roll cookies need to be refrigerated?
Date roll cookies do not require refrigeration if eaten within a day or two, but storing them in the refrigerator helps them hold their shape and keeps the chocolate coating firm. If your kitchen is warm or humid, it’s best to refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They also freeze well, so you can prepare a batch of date roll cookies in advance and thaw as needed.
Can I coat the cookies in white chocolate instead?
You can coat date roll cookies in white chocolate instead of dark chocolate, though it will make them noticeably sweeter. Make sure the white chocolate is high-quality and melts smoothly. If using sweet fillings like pistachio butter or sweetened nut butters, you might want to reduce the sweetener or skip it altogether to balance the overall taste of the date roll cookies.
Can I freeze the date roll cookies for later?
Yes, date roll cookies freeze very well. Once the chocolate coating has set, slice the log into rounds, place them on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the pieces to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
How do I keep the roll from sticking while working?
Always sandwich the date mixture between two sheets of parchment paper when flattening it. Once rolled, you can lightly oil your hands or the parchment to help guide the roll without tearing. If the dough becomes too sticky or soft, chill it in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes before continuing. This ensures smooth, tight rolling and easier slicing.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The cookies are naturally gluten-free, provided that all ingredients used (like nut butters and chocolate) are certified gluten-free. There’s no flour in the main dough, and almond flour or coconut flour used in fillings are safe for gluten-sensitive individuals. Always double-check labels for any hidden gluten additives or processing contamination, especially if making them for someone with celiac disease.
Can I add spices like cinnamon or cardamom?
Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or even nutmeg pair beautifully with the natural sweetness of the dates and the richness of the chocolate. Add about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of ground cardamom to the nut butter or pistachio filling before rolling. These spices give the date roll cookies a warm, aromatic depth and are especially nice in cooler months or for holiday variations.
