If you have a soft spot for nostalgic flavors wrapped in a cozy, chewy bite, then you’re in for a treat with Grandma’s Oatmeal Date Triblys Recipe. This classic dessert is a delightful fusion of hearty oatmeal, naturally sweet dates, and a luscious brown butter icing that brings everything together in a way that feels like a warm hug from the past. Every bite tells a story, combining simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver a treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these charming cookies, all you need are straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the chewy texture provided by oatmeal to the rich sweetness of dates, every element contributes depth and balance to this classic dessert.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps soften the dough for a tender crumb.
- Shortening: Offers moisture and a tender texture in the cookies.
- Sour milk: Adds acidity which reacts with baking soda for better rise and flavor complexity.
- Flour: The backbone of the dough, giving structure and form.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Baking soda: Works with sour milk to leaven the dough for lightness.
- Oatmeal: Brings hearty chewiness and wholesome goodness.
- Chopped dates: Provide the natural sweetness and slightly sticky texture in the filling.
- Water: Used to cook the date filling into a thick paste, concentrating its flavor.
- Butter: For the luscious brown butter icing, adding a nutty richness.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the icing its sweetness and smooth texture.
- Milk: Adjusts icing consistency for the perfect spreadable glaze.
How to Make Grandma’s Oatmeal Date Triblys Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375º F and lightly greasing two cookie sheets. This simple prep step sets you up perfectly for baking those golden-brown Triblys with no sticking and even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Date Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped dates, sugar, and water. Stir occasionally as the mixture bubbles and thickens into a luscious, sticky paste that will soon add that iconic gooey center to your cookies. This step takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Watching the transformation here is truly satisfying.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
While the date filling is cooking, mix sugar, shortening, and sour milk in a large bowl until well blended. Next, stir in flour, salt, and baking soda. Slowly incorporate the oatmeal. The dough will be sticky, which is exactly right—just keep plenty of flour handy for rolling out. This mixture is the comforting base that truly makes Grandma’s Oatmeal Date Triblys Recipe so special.
Step 4: Roll Out and Assemble
On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a 4-inch circle cutter (a martini glass works perfectly) to cut 12 circles. Place half the circles on your cookie sheets, then spoon a generous amount of date filling onto each. Top with the remaining circles and gently press the edges together to seal the filling inside. This ensures that when baking, the filling stays deliciously intact.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is utterly irresistible and a wonderful sign that the magic is happening.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Complete cooling is important before adding the icing so that it doesn’t melt and runs off.
Step 7: Make the Brown Butter Icing
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes until it starts to brown and develops fragrant nutty flecks. Be extra attentive here to avoid burning. Once browned, whisk in powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk, adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed to achieve a thick, spreadable icing.
Step 8: Ice the Cookies
While the icing is still warm, spread it generously over the cooled Oatmeal Date Triblys. Let the icing set and harden slightly before diving in. This finishing touch turns an already delightful cookie into a truly memorable treat.
How to Serve Grandma’s Oatmeal Date Triblys Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans over the icing for an added crunch and a rustic look that perfectly complements the aged charm of the recipe.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to enhance the oatmeal and date flavors, making it an ideal afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, arrange the Triblys on a decorative platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar and add a few sprigs of fresh mint. They also work beautifully as a thoughtful homemade gift wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Grandma’s Oatmeal Date Triblys in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their delightful chewy texture and keeps the icing firm but tender.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookies without icing for up to 2 months. Simply layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw at room temperature before icing and serving for that fresh-baked charm.
Reheating
Warm your Triblys in a low oven at 300º F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their softness. Add the icing afterward if you froze the cookies plain to enjoy a fresh-tasting treat anytime.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular milk for sour milk in Grandma’s Oatmeal Date Triblys Recipe?
Yes! To mimic sour milk, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This acidity is key for the chemical reaction with baking soda that helps create a tender cookie.
What if I don’t have shortening? Can I use butter instead?
Butter can be used instead of shortening, though it may result in slightly crisper edges. For the most authentic texture, shortening is preferred, but butter will still produce delicious cookies.
How sticky should the date filling be?
The filling should be thick and paste-like, sticking together without being runny. This consistency prevents it from leaking out while baking and ensures that each bite is filled with that rich date flavor.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies may have a slightly different texture but the nostalgic flavor remains delightful.
Is the brown butter icing necessary?
While the brown butter icing adds a wonderful nutty richness and sweetness, the Triblys themselves are delicious on their own. If you prefer, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar instead or experiment with a simple glaze.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Oatmeal Date Triblys Recipe is one of those timeless treasures that once you try, you’ll want to keep baking for years to come. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and comforting that feels like a treasured family secret passed down just for you. Roll up your sleeves, and invite a little nostalgia and warmth into your kitchen with every batch you make.
Print
Grandma’s Oatmeal Date Triblys Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma’s Oatmeal Triblys are delightful homemade cookies featuring a hearty oatmeal dough filled with a sweet and thick date paste. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious brown butter icing, these treats offer a perfect balance of chewy texture and rich flavor, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup sour milk
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups oatmeal
Date Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped dates
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Brown Butter Icing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375º F. Lightly grease 2 cookie sheets to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make Date Filling: In a small saucepan, combine chopped dates, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the dates break down and thicken into a paste, about 10-15 minutes.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup sugar, 1 cup shortening, and 1/2 cup sour milk until combined. Add 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking soda, mixing well. Gradually mix in 3 cups oatmeal until the dough is fully combined. Note that the dough will be sticky; use extra flour when rolling out.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll dough out to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Using a circle cutter (about 4 inches in diameter), cut 12 circles. Transfer half the circles onto the prepared cookie sheets.
- Add Filling and Seal: Spoon generous amounts of the date filling onto the center of the cookie circles on the sheet. Cover each with the remaining dough circles and carefully press the edges together using your fingers to seal, ensuring no gaps for filling to escape.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest on cookie sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to cooling racks. Repeat with remaining dough and filling for a second batch.
- Prepare Brown Butter Icing: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 1/2 cup butter, cooking for 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally until the butter browns and develops brown flecks. Once browned, remove from heat and whisk in 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar gradually, adding 2 tablespoons milk after the first cup sugar. Adjust consistency by adding the additional tablespoon of milk or more powdered sugar if needed; the icing should be thick yet spreadable.
- Ice Cookies: While the icing is still warm, spread it evenly over the cooled cookies. Allow the icing to cool and harden before serving. Enjoy your Grandma’s Oatmeal Triblys!
Notes
- Use plenty of flour when rolling out the sticky dough to prevent sticking.
- Carefully monitor the butter while browning to avoid burning it; once you see brown flecks, proceed quickly to add powdered sugar.
- Sour milk can be made by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Ensure cookies cool completely before icing for best results.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
