In less than 30 minutes, youll have these adorable retro cookies from a long-forgotten recipe.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Dont come looking for a giant cookie baked in a skillet here.
These skillet cookies are little no-bake wonders that could almost qualify as confections.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
The recipe is both charmingly retro and uncannily timely in its use of minimal components in an unexpected way.
Chopped dates and sweetened shredded coconut were power players in 1950s and 1960s dessert recipes.
Youll notice them called for in all kinds of cookies, cake fillings, and quick breads.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Date skillet cookies are an unusual treat from this period that capitalizes on this ingredient duo.
I did the same thing when I first tried date skillet cookies decades ago.
I was maybe eight or ten, and mom suggested I make Aunt Priscillas recipe.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
The idea of making cookies in a skillet was offbeat enough to pique my curiosity.
I stuck the recipe card to the fridge using one of Aunt Priscillas ladybug magnets and went to work.
It seems like the eggs will scramble but they dont, making the recipe a marvel of transformation.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
She closed her eyes and was quiet for a bit, smiling, remembering her beloved aunt.
They lived on what my mom calls a muck farm in northeast Ohio.
Aunt Priscilla went on to marry a man who had the very same birthday as her.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
He sold the insurance company hed founded and they lived well-off in Columbus.
Aunt Priscilla was fancy and feisty.
She collected Hummel figurines, loved to travel, and was quick to speak her mind.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Under Aunt Priscillas tutelage, she became the confident, free-thinking woman she is to this day.
But me making them from a safe removal and looping mom in did the trick.
I think Aunt Priscillas recipe card is hiding in that recipe file somewhere.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Im determined to find it.
Until then, we have the cookies themselves.
If youre chopping your own dates, its around 1 3/4 cups.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
I found that pre-chopped dates work better in this recipe because they fall apart more easily.
Save those pretty and plump whole dates for eating on their own.
These are quite sweet, but dont be tempted to reduce the sugar.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
If youd like less sweet cookies, use unsweetened coconut flakes.
Grab a large, heavy-bottomed, deep skillet (I used a 10-inch cast iron skillet).
It needs to be big enough to mix in all of the cereal later.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Off the heat, crack the eggs into the skillet.
Add the sugar and salt and beat with a whisk until combined.
Add the chopped dates.
Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
After 3 to 6 minutes, the mixture will begin to get foamy.
Eventually the dates will soften and begin to fall apart, creating a paste.
Steam will rise from the skillet and the whisk will leave a distinct trail in the cooking date mixture.
Once it comes to a boil, cook for 1 full minute, still whisking constantly.
Simple Tip!
If you chopped your own dates, they may want to hold their shape.
you could mash them in the skillet with a potato masher to get them to break down more.
Pull the skillet from the heat.
Add the butter and vanilla and whisk until the butter is melted and fully incorporated.
Add the cereal to the skillet.
They dont need to be perfect; youll shape them later.
Put the coconut (and chopped pecans, if using) in a wide, shallow bowl.
One at a time, gingerly pick up the balls and roll them in the coconut to coat.
Then roll gently in your palms for a moment to get them nice and round.
Set the coated cookies back on the baking sheet.
Allow the cookies to cool fully before you store them.
Theyll keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.
you’re able to also freeze them for up to 1 month.
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