I was almost convinced that my oven or stand-mixer is cursed.
Until I baked this cookies. It changed my life.
Forever.
I’ve since forgiven and forgotten – and believe it or not, I am not holding any grudges.
Well, at least until the next mishaps. Just keeping it real, honest and practical here, people.
Growing up, me and my Mom would bake tons of cookies. And one of my favorite was semolina cookies. It’s buttery, crumbly and oh so good.
Semolina gives somewhat a crisp texture to a cookie. Not denying the fact that gob-load of butter has something to do with the texture as well.
A twist to this recipe was adding dates. It is naturally sweet and goes very well with this cookie. Just ignore the specks of semolina on the dates, visible from the above photo.
There was an incident of spilling a cup full of semolina flour on the kitchen counter. Let’s ignore that, shall we?
I almost cried and refuse to clean my damned kitchen. But you can do me a favor and try this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (or 113 grams) of softened, unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar or agave nectar
- 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 1 cup all purpose flour
Directions:
- Preheat oven to bake at 325F. Grease a baking sheet and set aside.
- In a stand or hand mixer, cream butter and sugar till it turns pale in color (about 5 minutes on medium speed)
- Add chopped dates, vanilla extract and mix everything until combined.
- With mixer on low, slowly add semolina flour, mix and then add all purpose flour.
- Mix everything until combined.
- Scoop dough using a small cookie/ice cream scoop and place it on the greased baking sheet. The cookie will not spread, but allow some spacing between each scoop for even baking.
- Place baking sheet into pre-heated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and crisp.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
And oh, this photos were shot with my brand new macro lens. I hope it’s not cursed.
Have a very happy week and hopefully your baking mojo is very good in comparison to mine. Care sharing?
Comments on this entry are closed.
ha, I love this- I hate screwing up recipes but they make the perfect one seem even better! 🙂
Simply Life recently posted..Happy Monday: Light Cornbread Recipe
Gina,
I agree — but I think it happens with me quite often. I might have lost my baking “juju’ 😀
I have been out of dates for a while – need to restock! <3 them
Kath recently posted..Magazine Over Mind
Kath,
I hope you did — there’s nothing worse than spending winter without dates. Like how I’ve been spending without figs. I need it in my life. Now.
These cookies are a perfect treat. Great to have them at home to snack on!
YM,
Thanks dear — me and the Husband loves snacking on real food 😉
Love the dates you added in the cookies..and baking with mom…memories to treasure indeed!
Sanjeeta kk recently posted..Chocolate & Vanilla Bread Pudding – Two Easy Eggless Desserts with Custard
Sanjeeta,
They added natural sweetness to the cookies and of course, with a nice bite 🙂
All these cookie recipes are making me so weak! Now i have one more recipe to try 🙂
chinmayie @ love food eat recently posted..Black and White Wednesday – Gandhi Bazar Market!
Chinmayie,
Hahaha!! This is just the beginning — there’s so much more to drool over other blogs, especially the ones celebrating Christmas 🙂
Wow…… I love this Kiran…..YUMMY
Seema,
Thanks dear — do try and let me know how it tastes 🙂
I am sure the flavor of the dates goes really well with the flavors of semolina flour and butter. These treats are really one of a kind! Time to make a batch to serve my hubby and my little girl. I bet these will be a blast!
MyFudo,
Thank you so much — do let me know how it tastes 🙂
Looks delicious. Would love for you to share this with us over at foodepix.com.
Jo,
Thank you so much!
I love the flavors of Semolina and Butter. But a big NO to dates! The cookies came out really well. Nice pics 🙂
Harsha recently posted..Diya
Harsha,
I love suji ka halwa and this tastes almost the same — except with the inclusion of dates 😉
If it makes you feel any better I almost always spill flour while baking. I get rushed and things start flying around the kitchen. Best part is when I forget to wipe my hands and then leave floured hand prints on my pants. So glad these cookies made you feel better. Cookies are magical like that.
La Phemme Phoodie recently posted..Touchdown Tarts Trade Party
La Phemme Phoodie,
So happy that I am not alone in all those kitchen mishaps. Got to be honest here, I did laugh a lot reading this comment of yours 😀
Cookies look wonderful!
Asmita,
Thanks honey 🙂
They look yummy. Will surely ask my mom to do it 🙂
Bagya recently posted..Realize before its too late!
Bagya,
Thank you so much — do let me know how it tastes 🙂
We’ve all had baking disasters, I made very hard croissants, not lofty soft flaky ones at all! Great results with the macro lens. GG
Glamorous Glutton recently posted..Oreo Stuffed White Chocolate Brownies
GG,
Don’t well all. I’ve even created inedible morsels. But we won’t go there 😀
You are having these gorgeous cookies with milk I came to invite you for a healthy toast.
balvinder recently posted..Paneer Bites
Balvinder,
Thanks for the toast 😉
simple, lovely recipe! I like dates, A lot!
anh@anhsfoodblog.com recently posted..Strawberry mocktail
Anh,
Thanks dear — do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes 🙂
I love semolina in baking. One of my favorite cake is a semolina cake that tastes like the most delicious corn bread ever. I’m so curious about these drop cookies. Glad you got your baking mojo back!
sophia recently posted..Father and Son Yucatan Tamales
Sophia,
I am with you about semolina — it gave this cookie the crunch and light texture.
Dear Kiran,
Your cookies look delicious and the dates remind me of Muslims when they break fast during Ramadhan.
Dear Chopinand,
Thank you for the compliments — and you are right. Dates always reminds me of Eid 🙂
sigh…. you take super beautiful cookie photos Kiran! I actually did a photo shoot for cookies. HORRIBLE! I absolutely have no luck in taking pictures of cookies. Your photo made me want to grab that cookie and eat it right away. That’s real good photography. This must be a good recipe. Photo is so important…
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Chawanmushi with Shrimp
Nami,
Thank you so much for the compliments dear, you are way too kind 🙂 Enjoy your holidays with the family!
Yay!! For using the macro lens and for getting your baking mojo back..haha.
The macro shots look great so far, did you find it hard to use at all?
As for the semolina cookies, what can I say? They look yummo (as Rachel Ray would say :P). And, I actually have all the ingredients for once, so I will try this out and let you know how it goes!
Divya @flavourfiesta recently posted..New series- How to create your very OWN magazine!
Divya,
Thanks honey 🙂
The macro lens is a little different but so easy to navigate. I am having fun using it so far.
Do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes! Happy Holidays, honey 🙂
This recipe sounds wonderful – I have not made cookies with semolina before, so that is definitely something to try.
The shots with macro lens look wonderful, definitely not cursed 🙂
Biana | Simple and Tasty Recipes recently posted..Roasted Butternut Squash With Meat Sauce And Yogurt Sauce
Biana,
Thanks honey — semolina adds a slight crunchiness and nuttiness to any recipe.
Some days, it’s definitely not a good day to bake. I find that when I’m forcing myself to do it, then that’s when things go wrong. But when I’m really in the mood to do it and relaxed and looking forward to it, then all is well. No doubt, you’ve got your baking mojo back from the looks of these gorgeous cookies.
Carolyn,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂
These look delicious and I like the addition of dates which would make them sublime! And I have those days in the kitchen too! 😛
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Hayman Island, Whitsundays
Lorraine,
Thanks dear — now, I am off to drool at that suckling pig photos on your blog 😀
Wow – these are absolutely amazing! My husband is crazy for this sort of cookie and I’m definitely bookmarking them! Your lens is most definitely no cursed – your photos are STUNNING!
Ann recently posted..Ginger Lime Carrots
Ann,
Thanks a lot dear — do try and let me know how it tastes 🙂
this is what exactly i’m looking for since i have very good dates waiting and would turns into dearly treat. thank you for sharing the recipe kiran 🙂
*book-marked all the way
Ira Rodrigues recently posted..Balinese basic spice paste (Basa Alit)
Ira,
So glad you would be baking these delicious goodies — do share how it tastes 🙂
I can really see how these cookies could change your life. They would mine as well. Love the idea of dates & semolina together…with all that butter.
Marla,
Thank you sweetie 🙂
Your cookies look gorgeous…I especially love that last photo!!
Losing your cooking mojo sounds like what I went through recently. It’s so frustrating when it happens isn’t it, and so hard not to get disheartened. I’m glad that these cookies brought you back though. Yum!
Jennifer (Delicieux) recently posted..Cherry Ripe Cake
Jennifer,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments 🙂
Ingredients that I love, and the images are catchy too!! Will surely try to make this (somehow someway).. Thanks Kiran 🙂
Binu,
Thanks for dropping by my foodblog 🙂 Do try and let me know how it tastes!
These cookies look lip smacking good. I love the composition of your photos.
Quay Po,
Thanks a lot honey 🙂
Lovely little reciipe for a holiday festivity:) Thank you.
I’m not the best cook; but, I definitely going to give this on a try.
Ellie
Ellie recently posted..my anxiety experiences
As much as I love chocolate, I prefer my holiday cookies sans! These look great and I’m loving that the total number of ingredients is only 6…less pulling out/putting away ;)! We have a lot of semolina at home so hopefully I will be able to give them a shot this weekend!
Khushboo recently posted..Checking it twice
Khushboo,
I am with you about chocolate cookies. I love plain and simple buttery cookies. Do try and let me know how it tastes 🙂
I am not great in baking Kiran but sure why not in giving a try making these wonderful cookies and I like that you have added dates inside.
Nava Krishnan recently posted..Apple And Cucumber Salad
Nava,
I am not great at baking either. But these cookies were so simple!
Life changing cookies??? And I just so happen to have all of the ingredients… this is going to mean trouble for my thighs you know. I can eat these in peace though, knowing when all is done, I can blame you! They sound so good!
*kisses* HH
Heavenly Housewife recently posted..Heavenly Housewife and the Winter Blues
HH,
Blame me after trying this delicious cookies! And yes, its life changing 😀
Dates and semolina. Mmmmmm… Your cookies are scrumptious and the pictures are stunning.
Baker Street recently posted..Mocha Walnut Marble Bundt Cake
Baker Street,
Thanks honey 🙂
love the photos, what lens are you using? I am not much of a baker but this recipe sounds like something I can handle!
foodhoe recently posted..An Enchanting Dinner at Regalito Rosticeria, San Francisco
Foodhoe,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂
I am using a macro 90mm 2.8 lens. Do try this simple recipe and let me know how it tastes 🙂
Once I get my oven I am going to try them for sure. They look absolutely delicious and they make for a healthy snack. Congrats for your new camera 🙂 Great shots!
easyfoodsmith recently posted..KALE MOTI BIRYANI – BLACK PEARLS BIRYANI (Fragrant rice speckled with spicy Bengal grams served with Cucumber Raita)
EasyFoodsmith,
Thanks a lot honey — here’s wishing you get the oven, soonish 🙂
I love the look of these cookies. And your photos are beautiful.
Hotly Spiced recently posted..Is Nothing Sacred?
Charlie,
Thank you so much!
Cookies are I are great friends these days. I’ve been baking crazy and sharing them too 🙂 Even so, I could nibble on your tempting treats.. the only prob is I don’t think I’ve seen semolina flour around here in Qatar.
Nash at Plateful recently posted..Green Mango Chutney — Uppumanaga Chalichathu — homemade condiment for the side
Nash,
Cookies are everyone’s great friend. My waist is not happy 😀
You can always use any flour, i.e garbanzo, almond or even regular all purpose flour for this recipe 🙂
Such beautiful cookies. I love dates and I use semolina very often in sweets. We use it a lot in Greek cuisine.
Love your photos!
Magda recently posted..Sofigado, the Greek sweet and sour beef stew
Magda,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments, sweetie 🙂
Kiran, your photography is always so captivating… I’m sold even before I see the recipe ingredients! Beautiful drop cookies. Life changing you say? Sounds like a must try 🙂
Kelly,
“Life changing” is just merely, how do I put it – controversial 😀
Thanks a lot for the sweet comment, honey 🙂
Oh, I would ADORE a couple of these with some of that cold milk. They look lovely! And yeah, I totally have times where I feel like something is cursed and the stars won’t align. Sigh.
Heather @girlichef recently posted..Caldo Tlalpeño {Garbanzo-Vegetable Soup w/ Smoky Broth}
Heather,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the sweet comment 🙂
I have days like that if I am really tired or rushed and still insist on baking. These cookies look and sound perfect
Alli@peasepudding recently posted..Pacific Christmas Cake with Tropical Fruit & White Chocolate
Alli,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting, sweetie 🙂
I’ve had plenty of baking mishaps, so much so that I’ve almost given up baking…those cookies look amazing though, love your photos!
Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake recently posted..Der Raum, Richmond – exclusive bar with character
Jenny,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting, dear 🙂 Don’t ever give up on baking. Keep on trying!
Oh my! These cookies look lovely, and your photos are gorgeous. Love the milk in that glass jar. 🙂
Caroline recently posted..worth the wait. [onion soup w. sage brown butter, fried sage & homemade croutons]
Caroline,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the lovely compliments 🙂
These cookies look wonderful Kiran….
I know about baking disasters, they define me … LOL
But trust me Baking is like marriage it keep getting better provided you keep working on it..
Do I even make sense LOL
Reem,
Yes, you did made sense — about baking & marriage 😀 Lol, you always make me smile with your witty-ful comments!!!
I would love some please! 🙂
mycookinghut recently posted..malaysian-thai chicken curry
Leemei,
Thanks sweetie, I wish I could teleport some to everyone. It’s so simple to bake, though 🙂
I just put together the batter for these cookies, and they don’t hold together at all…is there a missing ingredient (egg/milk/water)? Thanks.
Marj,
I am so sorry the batter isn’t holding together. Just realized that by using agave nectar/honey, the batter holds up pretty well, resulting in crumbly and light cookies.
Here are my suggestions:
a) If you are using sugar, add 2 eggs into the wet ingredients.
b) For a healthier route, sub sugar for honey or agave nectar. That way, you won’t need eggs or extra butter 🙂
Let me know what worked the best for you and I could add the note in this recipe. Thanks for the alert and happy baking 🙂
Thanks so much for responding. I wound up adding 1 egg, and the cookies were delicious…will try the agave, though. That makes sense!
Marj,
You are most welcome, and Thanks for the info, sweetie 🙂
I’m a date addict…Your cakes are heavenlike to me!!
Cristina,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliment!
BTW, this is a cookie recipe, not cake 🙂
My first time visiting your blog and already I’m hooked. In the Middle East we make semolina cookies stuffed with dates (ma’amoul). They’re my favorite. Yours look amazing!
Yasmeen @ Wandering Spice recently posted..Lemony Orzo with Shrimp and Herbs
Yasmeen,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments 🙂 I did sample a ma’amoul before and those are delicious. Must make some soon!
Can’t wait to try these – I live in the Coachella Valley and many varieties of dates are locally grown and readily accessible. Always looking for new things to try!
Christy,
Lucky you! Send some dates my way 😀 Let me know how the cookies tastes…
{ 1 trackback }