• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Food and Journeys®
  • WORLD CUISINES
  • HOW-TOS
  • ABOUT
    • About Me
    • Notes on Copyright
    • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Categories
  • Countries
  • Pasta
  • Food Atlas
  • Guides
  • Subscribe!
  • About Me
  • Policy
  • Copyright
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Categories
    • Countries
    • Pasta
    • Food Atlas
    • Guides
    • Subscribe!
    • About Me
    • Policy
    • Copyright
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Cookies

    Lebanese Date Cookies

    Published: Oct 27, 2022 by Neriz · This post contains some affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Not-so-buttery cookies with a hint of anise and the sweetness of dried dates — that’s what you’ll get with every bite of these Lebanese Date Cookies.  Serve them with coffee or tea for your next afternoon snack!

    Updated image of Lebanese Date cookies served with a cup of coffee.

    If you have a ton of dried dates on hand, you should also give Lebanese Date Cake a try for your next dessert — you will not regret it.

    Like the cake, these Lebanese date cookies are not too sweet.  

    The burst of sugar comes from the bits of dried dates in each cookie — caramel-like goodness. 🙂

    If you think they’re not sweet enough, dust them with powdered sugar when serving, and you’re all set for a treat.

    IF YOU WANT MORE CLASSIC LEBANESE RECIPES, YOU WILL LIKE THESE POSTS!

    • An overhead shot of a bowl of Lebanese Sour Lentil Soup, with slices of lemon on the side, and a bunch of fresh coriander.
      Lebanese Sour Lentil Soup (Adas Bhamod)
    • Feature image for Lebanese Chicken Stew with Vegetables, showing a serving of the dish, with fresh lemon next to it.
      Lebanese Chicken Stew with Vegetables

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients you need to make Lebanese date cookies at home.
    • Flour – you only need all-purpose flour for preparing these date cookies.
    • Butter – unsalted butter and softened.
    • Sugar – granulated white sugar will be great.
    • Egg – medium-sized (63 to 73 grams) and at room temperature.
    • Baking powder – just use your favorite brand.
    • Ground aniseed – you can buy them in powder form or ground the seeds yourself (as I did).
    • Dates – dried dates, pitted and chopped into small bits, so they’re easier to combine with the rest of the ingredients for this date cookies recipe.
    Freshly-baked Lebanese Date Cookies on a cooling rack.

    Preparation

    Start making your Lebanese date cookies by sifting the flour, baking powder, and ground anise seed (photo 1).

    Combine all these dry ingredients and set aside.

    First part of the collage of steps showing the process of making Lebanese Date Cookies.

    Beat softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl (photo 2).

    Add egg and continue mixing.

    Add the dry ingredients from photo 1 above (photo 3).

    Second part of a collage for preparing date cookies at home.

    Combine and mix evenly.

    Add the chopped dates and combine them with a spatula or wooden spoon (photo 4).

    Use your hands to start forming a dough (photo 5).

    Form the dough into a log of about 1 & 1/2 to 2-inch diameter and 7-inches long.

    Third part of a collage for preparing date cookies.

    Wrap the dough in plastic (photo 6).

    Place in the refrigerator overnight.

    The following day, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

    Unwrap and cut the log into cookies:  about a third of an inch thick for each portion (photo 7).

    Last part of a collage of images showing how to make date cookies at home.

    Line your baking tray with a baking sheet (or parchment paper).

    Place the cookies on the tray, keeping some space between them (photo 8).

    Place the tray in the oven for about twelve to fifteen minutes or when the cookies turn golden in color.

    Transfer them carefully to a rack to cool.

    Your Lebanese date cookies are now ready; dust them with powdered sugar, if preferred — enjoy!

    An overhead image of date cookies served with a cup of coffee.

    Helpful tips

    • You can use your hands instead of a spatula to combine the chopped dates if it’s easier.  

    Just make sure you don’t squeeze the dates while mixing.

    • Use a serrated knife to cut portions of the dough into cookies.  A regular kitchen knife might break the edges.
    • This 7-inch log typically makes twenty to twenty-two pieces of Lebanese cookies.
    A stack of date cookies with one half-bitten to show the texture inside.

    Recipe variation

    • Less resting time.  If an overnight is not feasible, let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least four hours instead.
    • Rolling pin.  You can use a rolling pin to flatten (and even out) the dough, and in the same process, cut your cookies with a cookie cutter.
    • Cookie size.  You can cut the date cookies into your preferred size and make sure you adjust the baking time accordingly.

    How should I store these cookies?

    Once cooled, place them in an airtight container, and they will be excellent for at least a week.

    Looks so easy, right?  So give these Lebanese date cookies a try this weekend, and let me know!

    Text for Roundup Sections
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for Authentic Italian Cookie Recipes post.
      Authentic Italian Cookie Recipes
    • Latest (Oct22) Feature image for Traditional German Desserts and Pastries.
      Traditional German Desserts and Pastries
    A stack of date cookies with one half-bitten to show the texture inside.

    Lebanese Date Cookies Recipe

    Not-so-buttery cookies with a hint of anise and the sweetness of dried dates — that’s what you’ll get with every bite of these Lebanese Date Cookies.  Serve them with coffee or tea for your next afternoon snack!
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: Lebanese
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Resting Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
    Servings: 22
    Calories: 91kcal
    Author: Neriz

    Equipment

    • Digital weighing scale
    • Pyrex Measuring Cups
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Hand Mixer
    • Serrated Knife
    • Rectangular Baking Tray
    • Baking Paper (Parchment Paper)

    Ingredients

    • 3.5 ounces butter (100 grams or almost 1/2 cup), softened
    • 1/3 cup sugar
    • 1 medium egg
    • 1 & 1/2 cups flour (225 grams)
    • 1 & 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
    • 2/3 cup dried dates (125 grams or 4.5 ounces), pitted and chopped
    • 1 & 1/2 teaspoons ground aniseed

    Instructions

    Preparing the dough:

    • Start by sifting and combining the flour, baking powder, and ground anise seed in a medium bowl, then set aside.
    • In a separate and larger mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together.
    • Add egg and continue mixing.
    • Add the sifted dry ingredients from earlier and mix evenly.
    • Add the chopped dates and gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon.
    • Use your hands to start forming a dough.
    • Form a log of about 1 & 1/2 to 2-inch diameter and 7-inches long.
    • Wrap the dough in plastic and place it in the refrigerator overnight.

    Baking the cookies:

    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Unwrap and cut the log into cookies — about 1/3-inch thick per portion.
    • Line your baking tray with a baking sheet (or parchment paper).
    • Place the date cookies on the tray, keeping some space between them.
    • Place the tray in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes or when the cookies turn golden in color.
    • Transfer them carefully to a cooling rack.
    • Serve your Lebanese date cookies with some dusting of powdered sugar, if preferred.

    Notes

    • Cook’s Tip #1:  Feel free to use your hands instead of a spatula to combine the chopped dates if it’s easier.  Just try not to squeeze the dates while mixing.
    • Cook’s Tip #2:  Make sure you use a serrated knife to cut portions of the dough into cookies; a regular kitchen knife might clip the edges.
    • Cook’s Tip #3:  The 7-inch log in this recipe typically makes 20 to 22 pieces of Lebanese cookies.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 124IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @foodandjourneys or tag #foodandjourneys!

    More Cookie Recipes

    • Feature image for Swedish Almond Paste Cookies, with the cookies served on a basket.
      Swedish Almond Paste Cookies
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for polvorones, dusted with powdered sugar.
      Polvorones (Spanish Christmas Cookies)
    • An overhead shot of aa basket of Venetian Cornmeal Cookies, ready for serving.
      Zaleti (Venetian Cornmeal Cookies)
    • An overhead shot of a basket of Italian Walnut Cookies, served with an espresso.
      Italian Walnut Cookies (Dolci di Noci)

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Image for About Me

    Hej there!

    A smorgasbord of traditional and delicious international recipes awaits you, so feel free to look around and pick your favorites. No need to leave your kitchen to experience the real deal!

    More about me →

    Image for listing as-featured-on

    Comfort Food

    • Feature image for Spanish Beef Stew, showing a serving of the dish, with bread on the side.
      Spanish Beef Stew (Easy Stovetop Recipe!)
    • An overhead shot of a bowl of Lebanese Sour Lentil Soup, with slices of lemon on the side, and a bunch of fresh coriander.
      Lebanese Sour Lentil Soup (Adas Bhamod)
    • An overhead shot of a bowl of Swedish stew, with some boiled potatoes and pickled beets on the side.
      Swedish Beef Stew (Kalops)
    • Feature image of Spanish Chorizo and Chickpea Stew, showing a serving of the dish, with slices of bread.
      Spanish Chorizo and Chickpea Stew
    • Two bowls of Portuguese Green Soup, with some raw kale on the countertop.
      Portuguese Green Soup (Caldo Verde)
    • An overhead shot of a serving of authentic chicken cacciatore.; served with some bread.
      Easy Chicken Cacciatore
    • Feature image for Patatas a la Riojana, served with some bread.
      Spanish Chorizo and Potato Stew
    • Feature image for Turkish Celeriac Soup showing a bowl of it, ready for serving.
      Turkish Celeriac Soup

    Popular Posts

    • Two servings of German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe). Both creamy potato soup servings are garnished with spring onions.
      German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)
    • A shot of a pan of Arroz de Tomate, fresh out of the stove, highlighting the sauce and the bits of tomatoes and parsley leaves.
      Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate)
    • An overhead shot of a basket of Biscotti Regina, served with coffee.
      Sicilian Sesame Seed Cookies (Biscotti Regina)
    • An image showing two bowls of Finnish Salmon Soup served with some bread.
      Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
    • A closer shot of kanelbullar on a cooling rack, highlighting the filling of the buns.
      Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar)
    • An overhead shot of a bunch of freshly baked taralli, served with a shot of espresso, with scaterred fennel seeds on the background.
      Taralli (Italian Crackers)
    • Feature image for Salt & Pepper Pork Bellly slices, garnished with sea salt and spring onions.
      Salt and Pepper Pork Belly
    • An overhead shot of a serving of Filipino Picadillo, with a bowl of white rice next to it.
      Filipino Picadillo
    • Swedish Almond Tart
      Swedish Almond Tart
    • An overhead shot of a skillet of Spanish Garlic Chicken, straight out of the oven.
      Spanish Garlic Chicken (Pollo Al Ajillo)
    • A shot of a slice of Swedish cardamom cake, highlighting the texture of the cake.
      Swedish Cardamom Cake (Kardemummakaka)
    • An overhead shot of a basket of Italian Walnut Cookies, served with an espresso.
      Italian Walnut Cookies (Dolci di Noci)

    Sweet Treats

    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for traditional Swedish desserts and pastries.
      Best Swedish Desserts
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for fika post, showing some Swedish treats, and coffee and tea in the background.
      What is Fika? (Fika Meaning + Recipes)
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for Easy Italian Desserts and Pastries post.
      Easy Italian Desserts & Pastries Recipes
    • Latest (Oct22) Feature image for Traditional German Desserts and Pastries.
      Traditional German Desserts and Pastries

    Favorite Cuisines

    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for Traditional Italian Recipes: Regional Italian Dishes post.
      Traditional Italian Recipes: Regional Italian Dishes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for authentic Swedish recipes.
      Swedish Food: Traditional Swedish Dishes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for authentic German recipes post.
      Authentic German Recipes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for post on Easy Portuguese recipes showing two popular dishes.
      Portuguese Food: Classic Portuguese Dishes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for post on Easy Spanish recipes, showing two popular dishes.
      Easy Spanish Recipes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for classic Finnish recipes post.
      Classic Finnish Recipes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for Traditional Filipino Food post.
      Traditional Filipino Food
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for Easy Thai Recipes post.
      Easy Thai Recipes

    Footer

    Policy

    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • About Me

    Copyright

    • Notes on Copyright

    A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM.

    Copyright © 2023. FOOD AND JOURNEYS®