Soft Date Cookies with Olives and Fresh Thyme
Soft, sweet, and chewy Date Cookies with chopped dates, olives, and fresh thyme. Perfect for sophisticated snacking, tea-time treats, or holiday gifting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup pitted green or black olives, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Toast pecans 3–5 minutes; cool if using.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Fold in dates, olives, thyme, and optional nuts.
- Scoop dough onto sheets, spacing 2 inches apart; flatten slightly.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges lightly golden. Cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire rack.
- Repeat with remaining dough. Store in airtight container up to 5 days.
Notes
Adjust olive quantity for preferred savory-sweet balance. Optional nuts and spices enhance flavor. Gluten-free and vegan adaptations possible.