I remember growing up, my dad would every once in awhile but these fresh baked date cookies from the bakery. It was a cookie that was folded in half with a date filling in the middle. Oh so yummy! They remind me of a much improved adult version of fig newtons.

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Yesterday, I was really craving a sweet treat, but it had to be something I could whip up quick. I looked through my baking cupboard. Brownies? Not sure if I have enough cocoa. Cookies? We had that last time. Hmm. Maybe I’ll make something with the dates.

I had a package of chopped dates sitting in my baking cupboard. When I bought them, I didn’t have a plan in mind. I just wanted them on hand, should I feel like getting crafty.

As good as those date cookies are, there was no way I was about to attempt that. Too much work, and I’m sure it’d be a mess! So I searched Pinterest for date recipes. First one: easy date bars

I like easy! But easy does not always equal quick. You mean this will require more than throwing ingredients into one bowl? But the thought of a yummy date dessert to enjoy made me push through!

First, get the filling cooked up on the stove.

Then, get the bars part all mixed up in a underestimatedly too small bowl.

Put (what you perceive to be) half of the outer layer into a pan. The recipe said to use a 9” square pan, but I didn’t have one. So I used a 7”x11” because 9x9=81, and 7x11=77. Close enough!

Spread the filling on top, evenly.

Spread the other outer layer portion on top, and put it in the oven for the baby and me!

Okay time for the results!

My spectacular, less-than-Pinterest-worthy food photo shot. Because let’s get real people. Nobody has patience to wait for dessert to cool down!

Slightly better photo after the bars had a chance to cool down during the 30 seconds it took me to eat my first piece. I’ll admit though, it tastes better after it’s cooled.

Have you made date bars before? Do you even like dates? Even though this required just a tiny bit more work than cookies, it was still pretty easy. And worth it!

I’m Hebrew Housewife. Remember, be diligent.