Soft Date Cookies With Cardamom Orange Glaze

These aren’t your average cookies! Our Soft Date Cookies with Cardamom Orange Glaze are a delightful fusion of chewy textures, warm spices, and bright citrus notes. The dates provide a natural sweetness and incredible softness, while the cardamom adds an exotic, fragrant touch. Topped with a vibrant orange glaze, these cookies are perfect for an afternoon treat, a special occasion, or simply when you need a little bit of sunshine in your day. They’re surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress! This recipe focuses on creating a truly tender cookie, so we’ll be paying close attention to ingredient quality and technique. Let’s get baking!

You’ll Need These Ingredients:

• 200g (1 ¾ cup) Pitted Dates: We’re using pitted dates as the star of the show! Medjool dates are ideal for their soft, caramel-like flavor and moist texture, but Deglet Noor dates will also work. Soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping helps them break down even further, ensuring a super soft cookie.
• 100g (1 cup) Almond Flour: Finely ground almond flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and a slightly tender crumb. Make sure it’s finely ground – a coarser texture can result in a grittier cookie.
• 80g (⅔ cup) Oat Flour: Oat flour contributes to the soft texture and adds a subtle, wholesome flavor. You can easily make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor until finely ground.
• 60g (¼ cup) Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together. Using unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness of the cookies.
• 60g (⅓ cup) Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor, enhancing the overall sweetness and depth of the cookies.
• 1 Large Egg (≈50g): The egg acts as a binder and adds richness. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better emulsification.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Vanilla Extract: Alcohol-free vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
• ½ tsp (2g) Baking Powder: Baking powder provides a gentle lift, resulting in a slightly softer, chewier cookie.
• ¼ tsp (1g) Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Ground Cardamom: For the dough, ground cardamom brings a warm, aromatic spice that complements the dates beautifully.
• 120g (1 cup) Powdered Sugar: The base for our glaze, powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) creates a smooth, glossy finish.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the glaze. Bottled juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always best!
• 1 tsp (5ml) Orange Zest: Orange zest intensifies the orange flavor and adds a lovely aroma to the glaze. Be sure to zest only the orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• ¼ tsp (0.5g) Ground Cardamom: A touch of cardamom in the glaze echoes the flavor in the cookies and adds complexity.
• Pinch of Salt: A tiny pinch of salt in the glaze balances the sweetness and enhances the orange flavor.
• 2 tbsp (15g) Sliced Toasted Almonds: Toasted sliced almonds provide a delightful crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is designed for optimal flavor and texture, here are a few substitutions you can make if needed:

• Almond Flour: You can substitute with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour, but the texture will be slightly different.
• Oat Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a substitute, but it will result in a denser cookie.
• Dates: If you can’t find dates, you can try using dried figs or apricots, but the flavor will be different.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped dates, almond flour, oat flour, 1 tsp ground cardamom, baking powder, and salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly. This ensures each cookie has a consistent flavor and texture.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Whisking incorporates air, contributing to a lighter cookie texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a cohesive dough forms. The dough will initially seem crumbly, but continue mixing – it will come together. If the dough feels excessively sticky, cover it and chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle.
5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop the dough by the tablespoon. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Gently press each ball to flatten it to about 1 cm (½ inch) thick. This creates a nice, even surface for the glaze.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown, but the centers remain soft. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Cardamom Orange Glaze: While the cookies are still warm (but not piping hot), whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, ¼ tsp ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Whisk vigorously until a glossy, smooth glaze forms. If the glaze is too thick, add a single drop of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
8. Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the orange-cardamom glaze generously over each cookie, allowing it to pool slightly. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle toasted almond slices and a light dusting of extra orange zest over the glazed cookies for added texture, flavor, and visual appeal.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the cookies on a clean plate, arranging them artfully. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

The Importance of Soaking the Dates

Soaking the dates before chopping them is a crucial step in this recipe. Dry dates can be quite tough and don’t blend as easily into the dough. Soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes softens them, making them pliable and easier to incorporate. This results in a smoother, more consistent cookie texture. The softened dates also contribute to the cookies’ signature moistness.

Cardamom and Orange: A Flavor Harmony

The combination of cardamom and orange is a classic pairing, particularly in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Cardamom offers a warm, aromatic spice with hints of citrus and floral notes. Orange complements this beautifully with its bright, zesty flavor. In these cookies, the cardamom is used both in the dough and the glaze, creating a layered flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The orange zest adds a fresh, vibrant aroma that elevates the entire experience.

Tips for the Perfect Glaze Consistency

Achieving the right glaze consistency is key to a beautiful finish. You want a glaze that’s pourable but not too runny. Start with the recommended amount of orange juice and add more, one drop at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. A slightly thicker glaze will create a more substantial coating, while a thinner glaze will be more delicate. Remember, the glaze will also thicken slightly as it sits.

Storing Your Soft Date Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze may become slightly sticky over time, but the cookies will still taste delicious. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies (without the glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before glazing and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of flour?

While almond and oat flour provide the best texture for these cookies, you can experiment with other gluten-free flours like tapioca or cassava flour. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) and ensure your butter is a vegan butter substitute.

What if I don’t have orange zest?

You can substitute with a teaspoon of orange extract, but fresh zest provides a brighter, more authentic flavor.

These Soft Date Cookies with Cardamom Orange Glaze are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later! Pin it here!

Soft Date Cookies With Cardamom Orange Glaze

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• Author: Amanda Miller
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 12 cookies 1x
• Diet: General

Print Recipe

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Description

These soft date cookies are a delightful fusion of chewy textures, warm spices, and bright citrus notes. They’re surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 200g (1.75 cup) Pitted Dates, chopped (Medjool recommended)
• 100g (1 cup) Almond Flour, finely ground
• 80g (0.67 cup) Oat Flour
• 60g (0.25 cup) Unsalted Butter, melted
• 60g (0.33 cup) Light Brown Sugar
• 1 Large Egg (≈50g), room temperature
• 1 tsp (5ml) Vanilla Extract
• 0.5 tsp (2g) Baking Powder
• 0.25 tsp (1g) Salt
• 1 tsp (5ml) Ground Cardamom (for dough)
• 120g (1 cup) Powdered Sugar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Fresh Orange Juice
• 1 tsp (5ml) Orange Zest
• 0.25 tsp (0.5g) Ground Cardamom (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp (15g) Sliced Toasted Almonds

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry: Mix dates, almond flour, oat flour, cardamom, baking powder, and salt.
3. Whisk Wet: Whisk butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Add wet to dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Shape Cookies: Scoop, roll, and flatten dough into 1 cm (0.5 inch) thick cookies.
6. Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are golden.
7. Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, cardamom, and salt.
8. Glaze & Garnish: Drizzle glaze over cookies and sprinkle with almonds.

Notes

Soaking dates in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping ensures a softer texture. Adjust glaze consistency with drops of water.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: cookies,dates,cardamom,orange,soft,baking,dessert,treat