Christmas cookie season has officially begun!
And I am excited to share this one with you. It was one of my favorites of the many cookies my mom used to make every Christmas season.
They are unique, old fashioned cookies which are not baked, but cooked on the stovetop. Mom called them “Skillet Cookies” but that seems to refer to a whole different cookie these days.
So instead, I am calling these Coconut Date Balls, since dates and coconut are the most prominent tastes in these sweet little treats.
Ingredients Needed
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Dates, diced
- Butter
- Rice Krispies cereal
- Walnuts, chopped
- Vanilla
- Shredded coconut
A note about a few of these ingredients. First, the dates. The first time I tracked down my mom’s recipe and tried to make it, I used a package of pre-diced dates. How convenient, right?
The cookies turned out great! The first day, that is.
The second day, they seemed all. . . dry. Lost all appeal for me.
Therefore, I do not recommend using pre-diced dates. Instead, I now use nice juicy Medjool dates. It’s a little more work: each date must be pitted and diced by hand.
But it is worth it to get a cookie that is moist and delicious.
The coconut was another question for me: sweetened or unsweetened? Mom’s recipe didn’t specify. I’ve made them both ways and it turns out, it really doesn’t matter whether or not the coconut is sweetened. I honestly could not detect a difference in the taste.
And then there are the walnuts. Mom’s recipe actually just said “nuts” but as I recall she considered walnuts a staple for baking.
I did make one batch without any nuts at all, as I didn’t have any in the house. They turned out just fine.
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The taste difference is subtle, and the nuts do provide a little extra crunch. But if nut allergies are an issue, feel free to make these cookies without any. You’ll still enjoy them! 😀
How to Make these Coconut Date Cookies
Begin by mixing beaten eggs with sugar and chopped dates. Melt butter in a large skillet and then add the egg mixture.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in the cereal, walnuts and vanilla.
Drop tablespoon sized amounts onto wax paper (or a similar surface) and allow to cool slightly. I use a small cookie scoop for the measuring out. Usually by the time I have them all spooned out, the first portions are cool enough to handle.
Then, roll each into a ball (about walnut sized) and immediately roll in coconut.
Allow to fully cool, then store in an airtight container.
Enjoy the goodness of this old fashioned cookie!
If you love coconut, I found this recipe for Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie that is worth checking out!
Here are some more holiday treats to enjoy:
📖 Recipe
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Coconut Date Balls
Ingredients
- 2 eggs well beaten
- 1 c sugar
- 1 c chopped fine dates
- 2 TB butter
- 2 c Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ c chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 c shredded coconut
Instructions
- Mix eggs, sugar and dates together. In a large skillet, melt 2 TB butter over low heat. Add the egg mixture and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat, add the remaining ingredients (except coconut) and mix well.
- Drop by teaspoon sized amount onto wax paper or similar surface, allow to cool and then roll into balls (about walnut sized) – roll each ball in coconut. (Lightly greased hands help with this step)
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Dawn Conklin
We made these coconut date balls today and they are amazing! Love how easy they are to make and they are delicious.
Sula
I'm so glad, thanks for the kind review Dawn!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
OMG these are so delicious! My mom calls them frying pan cookies and makes them every year for the holidays. I love the combination of the sweet dates, crunchy cereal and nuts.
Sula
Me too!
Gina Abernathy
I am a date fan. These coconut date balls sound so delicious. I will be making them for our Christmas Eve party.
Sula
Perfect for any holiday party!
Emily
Best date balls ever!! These disappear anytime I bring them to a party.
Sula
They have the disappearing act down, for sure!
Andra
I can't remember trying a coconut and dates combo, so I'm very curious. Can't wait to give this a go 😀
Sula
I hope you love them like I do!
Kayla DiMaggio
These coconut date balls are so delicious! The perfect power snack!
Sula
I agree! They are sweet and delicious!
Jamie
The addition of the rice crispies is such a creative idea and I love the crunch it adds!
Sula
I agree, I love that special crunch!
Priya Lakshminarayan
These look so yummy! Would love to stock up on these.
Sula
Yes, it's a good cookie to have in stock!
Beth
These look so delicious and yummy! I can't wait to give this recipe a try!
Sula
I hope you try it soon Beth!
Katie
Made this for the family and it was a hit!
Sula
Fantastic!
Rosanna
I loved these! I was really intrigued by the recipe and it turned out great. Loved the flavours
Sula
Awesome, thanks for the kind review!
Jess
I love coconut and dates. This is a delicious combo!
Sula
I love it too - and at least you know there's something healthy in those cookies!
FOODHEAL
love dates and coconut and these cookies are awesome
Sula
I'm so glad you like them. I agree on the dates and coconut - too often overlooked yet delicious!
Audrey
This is so yummy and dates are so good for you!
Sula
Isn't it great to feel like there's something healthy in your cookies?
Emily Flint
These cookies were so easy to make and everyone in my house LOVED them! I'm glad you mentioned the different types of dates, the Medjool was definitely the way to go.
Sula
Yes, you can never go wrong with Medjool dates!
Blake Moon
Yum!
Sula
Yes they are very tasty!
Big Trouble
Awww, thanks for sharing this recipe with us, Sula! Sounds like it's a special one to you. <3 Also, you had me at balls.
Sula
LOLOLOL