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–+ servings

Old-Fashioned Hedgehog Cookies – A 1920 Recipe

These charming cookies from the early 1900s creatively mimic the look of hedgehogs while offering a chewy, sweet treat.
A delightful combination of dates, walnuts, and brown sugar creates a rich, nutty flavor, while a final coating of coconut adds a crisp texture reminiscent of classic homemade confections from the past.
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Prep Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 4 dozen

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup chopped dates
  • 2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut divided
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs divided

Instructions
 

  • If you have a food processor, combine the walnuts, dates, 1 cup of coconut, brown sugar, and 1 egg. Blend until a fine paste forms, about 3 to 5 minutes. Skip to step 4.
  • If not using a food processor, finely chop the walnuts and dates using a food chopper or blender until they reach a paste-like consistency.
  • Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of coconut, brown sugar, and 1 egg until evenly combined.
  • Divide the dough into four equal portions. With damp hands, roll each portion into a 15-inch rope, about 1 inch thick. Place the ropes on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg.
  • Once chilled, cut each rope into 12 equal pieces by dividing it into thirds, then cutting each section in half twice.
  • Dip each piece into the beaten egg, then roll in the remaining 1 cup of coconut. Arrange them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 15 minutes. Since these cookies do not spread, all four dozen can be baked together on a full-sized baking sheet. Let them cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • This recipe calls for finely ground desiccated coconut, which is unsweetened and dried. If needed, you can substitute unsweetened shredded coconut, but the texture should be as fine and dry as possible for the best results.
  • These cookies were a creative treat in early 20th-century baking, offering a unique way to enjoy the rich combination of dates and nuts.
Keyword antique dessert recipes, early 1900s homemade cookies, historical baking, nostalgic baking ideas, old recipes, old-fashioned coconut cookies, traditional date and nut cookies, vintage walnut cookies
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