Date Almond Butter Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - ½ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
02 - ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
03 - 1 ⅛ cups all-purpose flour or cake flour
04 - ¼ teaspoon salt (use ½ teaspoon if using unsalted butter)
05 - ¾ cup chopped pitted dates
06 - ⅓ cup flaked or chopped almonds

# Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, use a spatula to mix the butter and powdered sugar until pale and light in texture. Add the flour, salt, and chopped dates, and mix to form a crumbly dough. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until a soft dough forms.
02 - Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each portion into a 4-inch (10 cm) long log that is about 1 ¼ inch (3 cm) thick. Spread the flaked or chopped almonds on a plate and roll each log in the almonds to coat.
03 - Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30-45 minutes.
04 - Preheat the oven to 356° F (180° C) or 160° C for fan ovens. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
05 - Unwrap the chilled logs, trim uneven ends, and slice the logs into ¾ inch (1 cm) thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet with 2 inches (5 cm) of space between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet front to back after 10 minutes for even baking.
06 - Rest the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Let the cookies cool completely for firm texture.
07 - Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight jar for up to 5 days.

# Notes:

01 - Butter should be softened at room temperature to ensure the ingredients mix easily and the dough is not overworked, which can prevent dense cookies.
02 - Chilling the dough is essential for easier slicing and better cookie shape.
03 - The cookies will expand slightly during baking, so space them properly on the sheet.