Baking My Way: Chewy Date Drops

When I first read this recipe I thought it was going to be really grannyish but these cookies are really tasty and with a couple of changes could be really healthy (take out a lot of the sugar and use honey instead and take out the white flour and use whole wheat instead).

They're a good cookie for hiking, camping, or just a little shot of energy. 

2 cups chopped dates
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
4 cups flower
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans


Combine dates, 1/2 cup sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally.  Cool for 30 mins.

Heat oven to 375.

Combine brown sugar, 1/2 cup sugar and butter. Beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs; blend well. Add flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Stir in date mixture and walnuts. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart.

Bake for 8-10 mins. Immediately remove from cookie sheet.