Chinese Chews (Vintage Date & Walnut Bars)

Chinese Chews are a classic old-fashioned dessert with a long history, first appearing in early 20th-century American cookbooks. Despite the name, they are not related to Chinese cuisine, but instead reflect a traditional homemade sweet that became popular in church cookbooks and holiday baking traditions.

These chewy little squares sit somewhere between a cookie and a candy bar. Made with dates, walnuts, and a simple batter, they bake into rich, dense bites that are naturally sweet, nutty, and satisfying. After baking, they’re cut and rolled in powdered sugar for a soft, delicate finish that also keeps them from sticking together.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	¾ cup
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Baking powder	1 tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Chopped dates	1 cup
Chopped walnuts	¾ cup
Eggs	2
Powdered sugar (for coating)	1 cup

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the chopped dates and walnuts until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add the eggs and mix until everything is fully combined and no dry flour remains.

Step 4: Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 24–28 minutes, or until set but not overbaked.

Step 5: Cut and Shape

Allow to cool for about 10 minutes, then cut into small pieces and gently roll into bite-sized shapes.

Step 6: Coat and Finish

Roll each piece in powdered sugar until lightly coated. Let cool completely before storing.

Storage

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature. These bars store well and are often even better after a day or two as the flavors settle.