Description
Chewy old-fashioned German Rocks cookies packed with dates, raisins, nuts, and warm spices, creating a rustic and comforting cookie perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup raisins
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan combine chopped dates and water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. Allow the mixture to cool.
- In a large bowl cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl whisk together flour, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the cooled date mixture, walnuts, and raisins.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until cookies are set and lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Simmering the dates helps create the signature chewy texture.
- Pecans or almonds can replace walnuts if desired.
- Chilling the dough slightly can prevent excessive spreading.
- Dried cranberries or apricots can substitute for raisins.
- Cookies store well and develop even deeper flavor after a day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
