My mom made these wonderful, moist cookie bars at Christmas each year. I've added lots of orange zest for a more sensuous taste and aroma.
| 2 | cups | flour |
| 1 1/2 | cups | sugar |
| 2 | teaspoons | baking powder |
| 1 | teaspoon | salt |
| 3/4 | cup | butter, melted |
| 4 | eggs, beaten | |
| 1 | tablespoon | vanilla |
| 2 | large | oranges, zested |
| 3 | cups | packaged dates, pitted and chopped |
| 1 | cup | toasted walnuts, chopped |
| . |
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Line a 13x9x2 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
1. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Mix the butter into the dry ingredients.
3. Add the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest and beat until smooth.
4. Stir in the dates and nuts and mix well.
5. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until firm in the center.
6. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes.
7. Score the cookie bars into approximately 1-inch wide by 3-inch long strips. Let cool completely before removing the cookies from the pan.
