Sticky Date Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place dates in a bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand for 5 mins to soften. Drain.
2. 2
   Puree dates with a food processor or immersion blender until smooth. Beat butter, brown sugar and vanilla in a bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and creamy. Add egg yolk; beat until well blended. Add pureed dates. Sift flour, ginger and baking soda over mixture. Beat until just blended.
3. 3
   Place demerara sugar in a bowl. Using damp hands, roll tablespoons of dough into balls. Roll balls in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on prepared pans. Gently press to flatten slightly.
4. 4
   Bake 15 mins, swapping pans halfway through cooking, or until edges of cookies are firm. Cool in pans for 5 mins. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.