Oh, the smell of the holidays! There’s something so magical about the sweet aroma of Christmas in the air—the cinnamon, the pine, and oh, the delightful smell of baking treats wafting through the kitchen. Growing up, we always gathered around the table during the festive season, sharing not only meals but stories and laughter. One of the treats that always graced our holiday spreads was stuffed dates. I remember the first time I bit into one: the sweetness of the date paired with creamy goodness and a little crunch—it was an explosion of flavors and textures that felt like a warm hug.

That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Best Christmas Stuffed Dates. These gems are not only a delicious addition to your holiday table, but they are also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for nibbling during gatherings or as a little sweet snack, these stuffed dates are sure to make your season brighter!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✨ Simple to make: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
• 🎄 Festive treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings or just as a sweet treat for yourself.
• 🍬 Customizable: Use whatever nuts or fillings you love!
• 🥜 Healthyish snack: A great balance between sweet and wholesome, they’re a guilt-free indulgence!

Ingredients

Gather these delightful ingredients to create your festive stuffed dates:

• 24 Medjool dates (staple for sweetness and chewiness)
• 1 cup cream cheese (softened for easy mixing)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts for a different crunch)
• 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan alternative)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (brings warmth and spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (a splash of sweetness)
• Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

Now, feel free to mix things up! Want to add some dried cranberries or coconut? Go for it! The only limit is your imagination.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bring these stuffed dates to life! Trust me; you’ll want to savor every step.

1. Prepare the dates: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, carefully slice each date open lengthwise, removing the pit. Don’t rush this step—take your time, as it will make stuffing the dates easier!
2. Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped pecans, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer or a spoon to mix until everything is well combined and creamy. Don’t be afraid to taste it—this mixture is heavenly!
3. Stuff the dates: With a teaspoon, take some of your luscious filling and spoon it into each date. You can be generous here! Aim to fill each date so it’s bursting with that creamy goodness. Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the dates: Once all your dates are stuffed, pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. You want them warm and slightly gooey but not overly melted. Just enough to let those flavors mingle!
5. Cool and serve: After removing them from the oven, let the dates cool for a few minutes. Trust me, the aroma in your kitchen will be heavenly, and you’ll want to wait just a bit longer before indulging!

Enjoy them warm, or let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’re almost as good cold, too!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s jazz things up a bit!

• Swap the nuts: Instead of pecans, try almonds for a crunchier bite or even pistachios for a pop of color.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the top for an extra decadent treat. Who can resist chocolate?
• Spice it up: Try adding a bit of nutmeg or ginger powder to the cream cheese mixture for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan option: As mentioned before, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese and maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version!

Feel free to get creative! These stuffed dates offer a versatile base perfect for experimenting with flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Now, how do I like to serve these delicious little bites? Well, for starters, they make a stunning centerpiece on any holiday platter. Arrange them with festive garnishes like rosemary sprigs or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color! Pair them with a glass of sparkling apple cider or a cozy cup of cinnamon tea for a delightful treat. Imagine your guests’ faces lighting up when they take a bite—pure joy!

If you’re having a big holiday gathering, serve these alongside a cheese platter for a beautiful contrast of flavors. The cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the dates, creating a perfect bite each time!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No worries! These stuffed dates store perfectly. Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

• Refrigerate: Place your leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freeze: Want to save them for later? Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy again!
• Reheat: If you prefer them warm, simply pop them in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. They’ll be just like new and oh-so-delicious!

FAQs

Can I use any type of dates for this recipe?

Medjool dates are my personal favorite for this recipe, as they’re nice and big, soft, and oh-so-sweet. However, you could use other varieties if you have them on hand, but the texture and flavor might vary a bit.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can stuff the dates a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just pop them in the oven before serving to warm them up! They’ll still be delightful.

Is there a nut-free option for these stuffed dates?

For sure! You can substitute the nuts with seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or simply leave them out entirely. You could also fold in some dried fruit for texture!

What else can I add to the filling?

The sky’s the limit! Try adding some lemon or orange zest for brightness, or fold in some chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers for fun twists!

Conclusion

And there you have it! The Best Christmas Stuffed Dates that are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. From the warm smell wafting through your kitchen to the ooey-gooey deliciousness of each bite, they truly embody the spirit of the season. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share your own holiday memories around the table with loved ones. Feel free to comment below about how your stuffed dates turned out or share any creative twists you made. Happy holidays, my friends!

Irresistible Best Christmas Stuffed Dates Recipe for Delight

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the top Christmas stuffed dates recipe thats sure to delight your guests this holiday season Perfect for festive gatherings 155 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

24 Medjool dates

1 cup cream cheese

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/3 cup honey

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice each date open lengthwise and remove the pit.

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped pecans, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy.

Stuff each date with the filling and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the stuffed dates for about 10-12 minutes until warm and slightly gooey.

Let the dates cool for a few minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120 calories
• Sugar: 15 grams
• Fat: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 2 grams

Keywords: stuffed dates, Christmas recipe, holiday treats, easy dessert