Date Orange Cookies

Dates always remind me of the Holidays. When we were younger that was about the only time of the year they were available in the stores, so date cookies of any kind were a Christmas Treat.

This recipe for Date drop cookies with orange are a good cake like cookie. While we prefer crisp cookies, they were well received and as it makes a fairly small batch that works well for a cookie tray or afternoon coffee.

Old-fashioned Date Cookies with Orange Butter frosting

About 3 Dozen cookies

COOKIE

3/4 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup water 

1 (8 ounce) package chopped Dates (if chopping use kitchen scissors)

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup chopped Pecans

1/4 cup orange juice

1 egg

1 Tablespoon freshly grated orange zest

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

FROSTING

2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup butter softened

1 Tablespoon freshly grated orange zest

2 to 3 Tablespoons orange juice

Heat oven to 350°. Combine 3/4 cup butter, sugar, water and dates in 3 quart saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until dates are softened (5 to 8 minutes). Remove from heat; cool 15 minutes. Add all of the remaining cookie ingredients; mix well.

Drop dough by tablespoonfuls, (cookie scoop works well), 2 inches apart; on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire cooling rack and cool completely.

Combine all frosting ingredients except orange juice in small bowl. Beat at low speed adding enough orange juice till of spreading consistency. Frost cooled cookies.