Cinnamon Refrigerator Cookies

If you'd like to talk about old recipes, then this is definitely one for you. The origins of this recipe come from one of the old Electric Company holiday baking books (circa 1940s - all I have is a photocopied version and there was no accompanying date). This delicious, crisp cookie tastes almost identical to another similar cookie called a Date Nut Pinwheel, but these are far easier to make, since they're a slice and bake cookie. Delicious, sweet and chewy dates along with the crunch of walnuts (you can sub with pecans if you don't have any walnuts) combine with the warm, feel good taste of ground cinnamon to create a delightful cookie that is amazing when dunked in a cup of hot coffee. There's still time to do a little baking before Christmas, so give these a try...you won't be disappointed!

Cinnamon Refrigerator Cookies

½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup light brown sugar

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

2½ cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

½ cup finely chopped dates

½ cup finely chopped walnuts

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually cream in the sugars until well-blended. Add the vanilla and briefly combine.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, soda, cream of tartar and cinnamon. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix just until the flour disappears. Add the dates and walnuts and mix quickly to combine.

Divide the dough into 3 sections. On plastic wrap or waxed paper (waxed paper is easier to work with), form each section into rolls that are about 1½" in diameter; they probably will average about 8" in length. Wrap up the dough and place into a pan for easier storage.

Chill the dough overnight for best results. 

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Slice the dough thinly (around ¼" or so) and place on greased cookie sheets. Bake for 6 - 7 minutes.

Remove the cookies to racks and let cool completely before putting into cookie tins or an airtight container.

Makes about 8 dozen