Pistachio and Date Cookies

It's holiday time - the time of year when we eat lots of cookies and sweets. While I have a lot of cookie recipes to share, I thought I would share a rather simple one that contains dates and pistachios. We like pistachios, right? Dates? Of course! Why not put them together in a cookie?

The cookies are delicate and small and would be perfect for a holiday gathering. Or maybe you don't want to share them with anyone. That's ok. They're your cookies. 

Pistachio and Date Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1/2 cup finely chopped dates*
• 1/2 cup ground pistachio nuts
• Powdered sugar for dredging

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, and orange zest until well combined. Beat in the flour. Add the dates and nuts; mix until thoroughly blended. 

Roll 1 tablespoon of cookie mixture in your hands. Shape into a crescent. Place on a baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned on the edges. Remove from pan and place on a wire rack to cool. When cool, roll in powdered sugar.

*Finely chop the dates in a food processor. Lightly grease the blades of the food processor before you pulse the dates to prevent them from sticking. 

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