why make this recipe
Date Rolls are simple and tasty. They use few ingredients you may already have. They make a good snack or sweet for guests. They are quick to bake and keep well. If you enjoy soft, buttery cookies with sweet dates, this recipe is for you.
introduction
This recipe makes small date-filled rolls with a crumbly dough and a soft date center. The dough is rich with ghee and a little vanilla. You can make them for tea time or for a small party. If you like similar baked treats, try this easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls recipe for another cozy bake: Apple Cinnamon Rolls.
how to make Date Rolls
- Prepare the ghee by melting it and leaving it to solidify overnight or chill it until firm.
- Beat the solid ghee until it becomes creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and beat again until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla essence.
- Add the flour little by little while beating until the dough becomes crumbly. Press a bit of dough to see if it holds shape.
- Cut walnuts into halves.
- De-seed the dates, stuff each date with a walnut half, and roll gently to smooth edges.
- Place each stuffed date on some dough, press to cover, and smooth the edges.
- Brush the top with egg yolk or egg white if you are not vegetarian; skip egg if you are vegetarian.
- Bake at 180° C for 10 – 12 minutes. Let cool slightly and enjoy.
Ingredients :
125g Ghee, 62g Powdered Sugar, 1 tsp Vanilla Essence, 250g All Purpose Flour, 25g Walnuts, 100g Dates, Egg Yolk or Egg White
Directions :
- Heat ghee and leave it overnight to congeal or solidify (if the weather is hot, place in the refrigerator till it solidifies)., 2. Beat the ghee till creamy., 3. Add powdered sugar and beat till creamy., 4. Add vanilla essence and mix well., 5. Add flour little by little and beat till crumbly. Press the dough to check whether it holds shape., 6. Cut the walnuts into halves., 7. De-seed the dates and stuff the walnuts and roll it gently to smoothen the edges., 8. Place the stuffed date on some dough and press to shape them and smoothen the edges., 9. Brush the top with egg yolk or egg white. Skip the egg if you are vegetarian., 10. Bake at 180° C for 10 – 12 mins and enjoy!
how to serve Date Rolls
Serve the date rolls warm or at room temperature. They go well with tea, coffee, or milk. Place them on a small plate and offer napkins. For a small party, arrange them on a platter with other bites. You can also serve them with a light dusting of powdered sugar. For another serving idea with rolls, see this Apple Cinnamon Rolls page: Apple Cinnamon Rolls.
how to store Date Rolls
Let the rolls cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for 3–4 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To freeze, put in a freezer-safe box and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Date Rolls
- Make sure ghee is fully solid before beating.
- Beat ghee until creamy for a smooth dough.
- Add flour slowly to avoid a dry dough.
- Press a bit of dough to test if it holds shape.
- Use soft, fresh dates for easy stuffing.
- If dough cracks, add a tiny bit of ghee to bind.
- Watch baking time; they brown quickly.
variation (if any)
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for warmth.
- Roll the finished cookies in desiccated coconut for a coconut coating.
- Use almonds or pecans instead of walnuts.
- For a lighter version, use less powdered sugar or a sugar substitute.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough without eggs?
A: Yes. The egg is only for brushing the top. Skip the egg if you are vegetarian or vegan.
Q: Can I use butter instead of ghee?
A: You can. Butter will work but ghee gives a richer flavor.
Q: How do I stop the dough from cracking around the dates?
A: Add a little more ghee and press gently. Chill the dough briefly if it becomes too soft.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Bake and store in an airtight container a day before. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I use pitted dates from a jar?
A: Yes. Make sure they are not too wet. Pat dry if needed.
Conclusion
If you like coconut flavor with dates, try this coconut and cashew twist for inspiration: Coconut Date Rolls | Gourmande in the Kitchen (https://gourmandeinthekitchen.com/cashew-coconut-date-rolls/)

Date Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the ghee by melting it and leaving it to solidify overnight or chill it until firm.
- Beat the solid ghee until it becomes creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and beat again until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla essence.
- Add the flour little by little while beating until the dough becomes crumbly. Press a bit of dough to see if it holds shape.
- Cut walnuts into halves.
- De-seed the dates, stuff each date with a walnut half, and roll gently to smooth edges.
- Place each stuffed date on some dough, press to cover, and smooth the edges.
- Brush the top with egg yolk or egg white if you are not vegetarian; skip egg if you are vegetarian.
- Bake at 180° C for 10 – 12 minutes. Let cool slightly and enjoy.
