These vegan date jam cookies are a sweet and chewy treat that are perfect for any occasion. They feature a buttery and crumbly cookie base filled with a luscious and tangy date jam, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Vegan Date Jam Cookies
Course: Vegan dessertsCuisine: ContinentalDifficulty: Easy24
servings20
minutes15
minutes102
kcalIngredients
- For the Date Jam
1 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Cookie Dough
1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- For the Date Jam
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates, water, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon.
- Cook the date mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates have broken down and the mixture has thickened and become jam-like in consistency, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the date jam from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- For the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegan butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Assembly
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled cookie dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
- Use a 2-inch cookie cutter or cup to cut out 24 circles of dough, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a small spoon or piping bag to add a dollop of date jam to the center of each cookie.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Let the date jam cool completely before adding it to the cookie dough to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Dust the cookie cutter or cup with flour before cutting out the dough to prevent sticking.
How to Store and Freeze
- Store the vegan date jam cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Complete Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
24 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories102
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
4g
7%
- Saturated Fat 1g 5%
- Sodium 64mg 3%
- Total Carbohydrate
17g
6%
- Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 1g 2%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Alterations and Modifications
Variations
- Vegan Date and Walnut Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the cookie dough for a nutty twist.
- Vegan Date and Orange Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the cookie dough for a citrusy flavor.
- Vegan Date and Chocolate Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolatey treat.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Substitute spelt flour or almond flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Use a different type of vegan butter, such as coconut oil or margarine, for a different flavor and texture.
Adjusting Sweetness
- Increase or decrease the amount of sugar in the cookie dough to your taste preference.
- Use medjool dates instead of regular dates for a naturally sweeter date jam.
Cooking Methods
- Roll Method: Roll the cookie dough into small balls and use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a well in the center for the date jam.
- No-Chill Method: Skip chilling the cookie dough and bake the cookies immediately after cutting them out to fasten the process. However, this might result in the cookies not holding their shape.
Storage
- Freeze leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Store leftover cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Use leftover date jam as a spread for toast, bagels, or crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of jam or fruit filling?
A: Yes, you can use any type of vegan jam or fruit filling you like, such as raspberry or apricot jam.
Q: Can I make the cookie dough without a stand mixer?
A: Yes, you can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon or spatula instead of a stand mixer.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough instead of chilling it?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months and thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
Q: Can I make these cookies without the date jam filling?
A: Yes, you can omit the date jam filling and bake the cookies plain or add a different type of filling, such as peanut butter or vegan Nutella.
