Date Chews

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. 2
   Place dates and flour in food processor.
3. 3
   Pulse to combine, then process until dates are finely chopped.
4. 4
   Scrape mixture into a large bowl.
5. 5
   Add nuts to food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
6. 6
   Add date-flour mixture back to processor along with baking powder and salt and quickly pulse to break up sticky dates and create a uniform mixture.
7. 7
   In a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla together until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
8. 8
   Add about one third of date-flour mixture and mix on low speed.
9. 9
   Gradually add remaining date-flour mixture, mixing just until blended.
10. 10
    Scrape into baking pan, spreading evenly.
11. 11
    Bake until an even light golden brown all over, about 40 minutes; toothpick inserted in center should come out clean.
12. 12
    Place pan on rack to cool for 5 minutes.
13. 13
    Cut into 36 bars (6 x 6) while still warm.
14. 14
    Place confectioners sugar in a small bowl.
15. 15
    Roll each square in it to coat completely while still warm, shaping the squares into rough barrel shapes as you go.
16. 16
    Each cookie will be a unique, rustic shape.
17. 17
    Place each cookie on rack to cool completely.