Canadian Maple-Date Cookies

• 3½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
• 1 cup chopped pitted dates
• Raw sugar

In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla until combined [mixture will appear curdled]. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour mixture, the pecans, and dates. Cover and chill dough about 2 hours or until easy to handle.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper; set aside. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll balls in raw sugar to coat. Place balls 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheet. Bake about 10 minutes or until edges are firm. Transfer to wire rack until cooled.