Candied Walnuts & Dates Made Into Cookies or Bars

Imagine taking the rich sweetness of dates, the hearty crunch of walnuts, and transforming them into an elegant treat—either cut into bars or shaped into cookies—that feels indulgent yet whole-food inspired. This recipe, originally conceived as a five-ingredient walnut-date candy, becomes even more versatile when you adapt it into cookies or bars—perfect for dessert trays, snack time, or a homemade gift. The base uses just dates, walnuts, cardamom, orange-blossom water and sesame seeds, allowing you to build from simplicity into something special.

Because the foundation is naturally free of wheat, refined sugar (the dates provide natural sweetness), and uses minimal ingredients, the dessert is ideal for those following gluten-free, paleo, or clean-eating routines—without sacrificing the look or feel of something indulgent. You can choose to press the mixture into bars, chill and slice, or roll into cookies/dough balls, then optionally bake lightly if you prefer crisp edges and a cookie texture.

Whether serving after dinner, packing for a snack, or offering at gatherings, this upgraded walnut-date creation brings texture, flavor and purpose. Its chewy, nutty body paired with the aromatic cardamom and floral orange-blossom water gives it a sophisticated edge—something you can feel proud to serve.

---

Candied Walnut Date Cookies (or Bars)

Recipe Details

Yield: 20 pieces
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Candied Walnut Date Cookie Ingredients

• 1 cup walnuts
• 3 cups dates, pitted
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup water (used for date paste)

How to Make Candied Walnut Date Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Place walnuts on a baking sheet and roast in oven, 7 to 10 minutes until just golden.
2. Place dates and 1/4 cup water, cardamom, and orange blossom water in a pan over low heat and simmer until the dates are soft, water is absorbed, and they turn into a paste, 5 minutes.
3. Press half date mixture into the base of the prepared cake tin. Cover with the walnuts and then other half of the dates, pressing to compact each time.
4. Sprinkle sesame seeds over top and place in fridge to chill. When ready to serve, cut into diamond shapes with a sharp knife. Candy can be stored in fridge for one week.

---

Candied Walnut Date Cookies Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per piece (recipe yields 20 pieces). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 piece
Calories	≈ 110 kcal
Protein	≈ 2 g
Carbs	≈ 20 g
Sugar	≈ 18 g
Fiber	≈ 2 g
Fat	≈ 4 g

---

Walnut Date Cookie Variations & Tips

• Cookie texture: After processing the dates and walnuts, portion into rounds and lightly press onto a baking sheet; bake at 325 °F for 8-10 minutes to crisp the edges for cookie style.
• Bar version: Press the mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment; chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, then cut into squares or diamond shapes for a bar presentation. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Nut variation: Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different flavor profile; if you use a mix, increase the date quantity slightly to maintain binding.
• Seed swap for sesame: If sesame is unavailable or you prefer another seed, use toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and appearance.
• Spice twist: Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or ⅛ teaspoon chili powder to give a subtle warmth beneath the sweetness and elevate the flavor depth.

---

Best Walnut Date Cookie Pairings

• Herbal tea or spiced chai: The cardamom and orange-blossom notes in the cookies/bars pair beautifully with a warm tea that echoes these flavors.
• Greek-style yogurt with honey drizzle: Serve a small side of yogurt to complement the bar/cookie texture and introduce creaminess.
• Fresh figs or berries: The juicy fruit adds freshness and balance to the rich nut-date treat.
• Dark chocolate square (70%+ cocoa): A companion piece of dark chocolate enriches the dessert experience without overwhelming the natural sweetness.
• Espresso or strong black coffee: The bitterness contrasts nicely with the sweet and aromatic bar/cookie and rounds out after-dinner moments.

---

When to Make Walnut Date Cookies

• Homemade gift boxes: Package the bars or cookies as a thoughtful, diet-friendly treat for friends or neighbors.
• Holiday dessert trays or cookie swaps: These stand out visually and taste-wise, and offer a gluten-free option alongside standard treats.
• After-dinner with a clean-eating focus: When you want dessert that feels indulgent but aligns with your dietary intentions.
• Snack packs or lunchbox treats: Portion into small bags for portable, nutrient-rich snacks on-the-go.
• Brunch or tea-time spread: Serve alongside fruit, yoghurt, and tea for a stylish dessert or treat course.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont