The irresistible taste of soft date biscuits combines the sweetness of dates with the golden crunch of flour!
Whether you're preparing them for Eid or as a daily treat, this recipe offers you an easy method using simple ingredients like half a cup of oil, one cup of flour, and a dash of aromatic spices. You’ll learn how to make a smooth date filling in one bowl and shape the biscuits effortlessly. And if you prefer a richer flavor, you can replace butter with ghee for a recipe that suits every taste!
Ingredients for Soft Date Biscuits
For the Dough:
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
- ½ cup sugar (or a healthy alternative like coconut sugar)
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1¾ cup flour (or a mix of oat and almond flour for a healthier version)
For the Filling:
- 400g pitted dates (Ajwa dates are preferred)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (or vegetable oil for a vegan version)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg
Step-by-Step: How to Make Date Biscuits
Preparation and Baking Time:
- Dough Prep: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 10–15 minutes
- Filling Prep: 5 minutes
- Shaping Biscuits: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 12–15 minutes
Preparing the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix oil with sugar and vanilla until the mixture becomes creamy.
- Gradually add coconut milk while mixing until fully combined.
- Mix cornstarch and baking powder, then add to the bowl and mix well.
- Sift in the flour gradually and knead until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to rest.
Preparing the Filling:
- Mix the dates with melted butter and cinnamon, then knead until smooth and well combined.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg and mix again.
- Divide the date mixture into small balls, then roll each into medium-thick ropes for filling.
Shaping the Biscuits:
- Divide the dough into 3 equal portions.
- Roll each portion on a floured surface to a medium thickness.
- Place a date rope in the center, then fold the dough over and seal tightly.
- Press the surface with a fork for a decorative pattern and cut into equal-sized pieces.
Baking Instructions:
- Arrange the pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C:
- 9 minutes on the bottom rack until the dough is set.
- 3 minutes on the top rack until lightly golden.
- Let the biscuits cool completely before serving.
Decoration & Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as is or decorate with:
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar
- Crushed sesame seeds or ground almonds
- Ideal to serve with tea or coffee as a light dessert.
- Store in an airtight container to preserve flavor and crispness.
Healthy Alternatives for Date (Ajwa) Biscuit Ingredients
- Sugar: Replace with coconut sugar or stevia.
- Oil: Use coconut oil or olive oil.
- Flour: Substitute half the amount with oat or almond flour.
- Butter: Replace with tahini or almond butter in the filling.
- Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or warm water with tahini.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Date Biscuits
1. Hot Beverages that Pair Well with Biscuits:
- Mint or cinnamon tea to enhance the flavor profile.
- Arabic or Turkish coffee for a rich, harmonious taste.
- Warm milk, especially for children, to add a creamy touch.
2. Light Sides to Complement the Biscuits:
- Dried fruits like figs or apricots to balance the sweetness.
- Yogurt with honey for a flavorful, protein-rich addition.
- Roasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch.
Alternative Recipes with Healthy Ingredients
1. Oat Date Biscuits
Replace white flour with ground oats for added fiber and better digestion.
2. Almond Flour Date Biscuits
A low-carb option perfect for keto diets and diabetics.
3. Date and Walnut Biscuits
Add ground walnuts to the filling for enhanced nutritional value and healthy fats.
4. Sugar-Free Date Biscuits
Use natural date paste instead of sugar for a naturally sweet flavor.
Popular Date Biscuit Variations
- Sesame Date Biscuits:
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking for a toasted flavor and crunch. - Deemah Date Biscuits:
A soft version of traditional biscuits, baked at a lower temperature for extra tenderness. - Rolled Date Biscuits:
Dough is wrapped around the date filling in a circular or log shape before slicing. - Egg-Free Date Biscuits:
Made with oil or plant-based butter instead of eggs, suitable for vegans. - Libyan Date Biscuits:
Flavored with cardamom or rose water for a North African twist. - Date & Walnut Biscuits:
Ground walnuts are mixed with dates in the filling for added nutrients. - Pregnancy-Friendly Date Biscuits:
Made with moderate sugar and whole wheat flour to boost fiber intake.
Nadia El-Sayed’s Homemade Date Biscuit Recipe
Highlight: A classic homemade recipe that blends traditional flavor with a modern touch.
Main Steps:
- Mix ½ cup oil with ½ cup sugar and vanilla until creamy.
- Gradually add 1¾ cup flour with ¼ cup coconut milk and starch to achieve the perfect texture.
- Fill the dough with date paste mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C until golden.
Secret: Use ghee instead of butter for a richer texture.
Machine-Made Date Biscuits (Quick & Easy)
Highlight: Uses a stand mixer or kitchen machine to save time and effort.
Main Steps:
- Combine all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder) in the machine.
- Gradually add oil and milk until a cohesive dough forms.
- Shape the dough using biscuit molds or cut uniformly.
- Bake for only 10–12 minutes.
Secret: Add a tablespoon of vinegar for perfect crispiness.
Old-Fashioned Date Biscuits (Traditional Recipe)
Highlight: A heritage recipe passed down through generations, using simple ingredients without additives.
Main Steps:
- Knead 1 kg flour with 1 cup traditional ghee and rose water by hand.
- Fill with mashed dates mixed with ground cardamom.
- Shape into discs or floral patterns, then bake in a traditional or regular oven.
Secret: Hand-mashing the dates preserves the authentic texture better than using a blender.
Important Nutritional Tips
- For Vegans:
Substitute butter with coconut oil or almond butter to maintain flavor. - For Diabetics:
Reduce the amount of dates or replace with mashed apples or low-sugar natural sweeteners. - For Low-Carb Diets:
Use coconut or almond flour instead of white flour to lower carb content. - For Children:
Reduce nutmeg and cinnamon to maintain a mild and kid-friendly flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Date Biscuit (Ajwa)
- Why does date biscuit (Ajwa) become hard after baking?
Too much flour, overbaking, or not enough fat. - How can I make date biscuit softer and crumblier?
Use powdered sugar, add honey for moisture, and avoid over-kneading. - Can date biscuits be made without butter or oil?
Yes, using almond butter, peanut butter, coconut oil, or date paste. - How to store date biscuits to keep them crispy?
In an airtight container with a piece of dry bread. - Can the date filling be substituted?
Use fig paste or dried apricot as natural alternatives.
Dark chocolate with walnuts for a rich filling.
Peanut or almond butter for a different flavor. - Can date biscuits be cooked in a skillet instead of the oven?
Yes, on low heat with a lid on — though baking gives better results. - How to make the recipe kid-friendly?
Reduce spices, use honey, and shape into fun designs. - Is the recipe suitable for diabetics?
Use almond or coconut flour instead of white flour.
Use low-sugar natural sweeteners. - Can the dough be prepared and stored in advance?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month. - Is date biscuit harmful during pregnancy?
No, if made with natural ingredients and moderate sugar content. - Does date biscuit cause weight gain?
Yes, if consumed in large quantities due to sugar and fat content,
but it can be made healthier using alternatives like coconut sugar.
Nutritional Values per Ingredient (for the full recipe)
Dough Ingredients:
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Calories: 960
Fat: 109g
Carbs: 0g
Protein: 0g
Benefits: Source of healthy fats that support body functions and energy. - ½ cup sugar
Calories: 200
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 50g
Protein: 0g
Benefits: Quick energy source but should be consumed in moderation. - ½ tsp vanilla
Calories: 6
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 0.3g
Protein: 0g
Benefits: Contains antioxidants that support cellular health. - ¼ cup coconut milk
Calories: 45
Fat: 4g
Carbs: 2g
Protein: 0.5g
Benefits: Supports heart health and adds rich flavor. - 1 tbsp cornstarch
Calories: 30
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 7g
Protein: 0g
Benefits: Improves dough texture and provides quick energy. - ½ tsp baking powder
Calories: 2
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 0.4g
Protein: 0g
Benefits: Helps the dough rise for a light texture. - 1¾ cups flour
Calories: 700
Fat: 1.5g
Carbs: 148g
Protein: 19g
Benefits: A good source of carbs for energy and fiber for digestion.
Filling Ingredients:
- 400g dates
Calories: 1,100
Fat: 0.4g
Carbs: 290g
Protein: 9g
Benefits: Rich in fiber, supports digestion, and provides natural energy. - 1 tbsp melted butter
Calories: 100
Fat: 11g
Carbs: 0g
Protein: 0g
Benefits: Adds flavor and richness, provides essential fats. - 1 tsp cinnamon
Calories: 6
Fat: 0.1g
Carbs: 2g
Protein: 0.1g
Benefits: Helps regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties. - A pinch of nutmeg
Calories: 3
Fat: 0.2g
Carbs: 0.4g
Protein: 0g
Benefits: Supports digestion and improves mood.
Nutritional Value per Piece (Approximate)
- Calories: 80–100 kcal
- Fat: 4–5g
- Carbs: 10–12g
- Sugar: 5–6g
- Fiber: 1–2g
- Protein: 1–2g
Health Benefits:
- Natural energy from dates and carbohydrates.
- Supports digestion due to fiber content.
- Rich in antioxidants to combat inflammation.
- Promotes heart health when using healthy substitutes.
Final Thoughts
After carefully preparing this recipe, the magic of date biscuits becomes evident — the rich date flavor in every bite makes them a delicious treat that echoes the taste of traditional Maamoul. The recipe follows a precise method with ingredients weighed down to the gram for optimal results. When needed, each ingredient is measured to the exact gram to ensure consistency and quality in the final product.
With the use of innovative SAR technology and premium flour, the final product is market-ready and enhanced with high-quality dates. A touch of anise is added to elevate the flavor naturally, without excess salt or additives.
If you'd like to try this recipe, most ingredients are available at reasonable prices that balance quality and calorie awareness. The biscuit’s exterior can be beautifully finished with a dusting of fine powder and a mix of mild spices and salt. Oats can be used in place of the full flour amount for a healthier twist.
What makes this recipe truly shine is its simplicity and precision. The addition of cinnamon gives it a unique profile similar to Saudi desserts. A touch of fine chocolate, weighed accurately, adds an elegant finish — delivering an impressive result with well-balanced heat and flavor.
It’s worth noting that the preparation method follows a renowned traditional style, guaranteeing a unique and enjoyable experience. The SAR technique has been carefully tested to ensure the best results, making this product perfect for lovers of traditional sweets.
