For years my Gamma’s “hamburger Cookies” were MIA. We looked everywhere for the recipe. These date squares, that my mum has made ever since I was a child, became my stand in. At 88, mum still makes these every Christmas.
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| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Passive Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Servings |
small squares
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Ingredients
Date Filling
- 3 cups dates cut up
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 tsp lemon juice
Top & Bottom Layer
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups flour all purpose
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups oats quick (3 mintue) not rapid (one minute)
Ingredients
Date Filling
Top & Bottom Layer
|
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Instructions
Date Filling
- Combine the dates, water and lemon juice in a sauce pan. Cook over low heat. Ensure to constantly stir until thickened, approx. 10 minutes. Set aside and let it cool.
Top & Bottom Layer
- While the date filling is cooling prepare the oats layers. Preheat the oven to 350F and grease and lightly flour a 9 x 12 inch pan (I use a glass pan) Cream the butter and sugar together. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, salt and baking soda. Mix the dry ingredients with the creamed butter/sugar mixture. Ensure they are well mixed. Stir in the oats, ensure they get well incorporated. Take 1/2 the mixture an spread it evenly over the bottom of the greased pan. Press down mixture. Spread date filling evenly over the whole pan. Cover the date filling with the remaining oat mixture and lightly press down. Bake in oven until lightly browned, about 25 to 30 minutes. White still warm, cut into squares.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Date Squares
Amount Per Serving
Calories 249
Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g
9%
Saturated Fat 3g
15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 12mg
4%
Sodium 104mg
4%
Potassium 261mg
7%
Total Carbohydrates 48g
16%
Dietary Fiber 4g
16%
Sugars 23g
Protein 4g
8%
Vitamin A
3%
Vitamin C
0.2%
Calcium
2%
Iron
9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
I tend to cut them in small squares (that way no one feeling like they are being greedy if they take two or three OR come back for seconds).
When I (or should I say... my mum) make these for Christmas, she makes them at the beginning of December as they freeze well. Just ensure to wrap them well and put in an air tight container. I then just take out as many as I want for that day and let them thaw (only takes 30 minutes or so if they are cut on the smaller size). They tend to be okay in the freezer for 2 months.
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