Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat eggs in a separate bowl, then add to butter and sugar mixture. Stir.
Dissolve baking soda in 1 teaspoon very hot water. Add dissolved soda, dates, vanilla and nuts, stirring well. Finally, add flour and mix until well combined, about 45 seconds on medium speed of an electric mixer (or beat with a wooden spoon).
Drop onto ungreased cookie pans, parchment paper or silicone baking sheets. Bake at 350°F until cookies are lightly browned on edges, about 12 minutes.
Submitted by: Helen Winn
