Classic Australian Federation Biscuits

Begin by preheating the oven to a high temperature, specifically 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.

In a small container, mix the baking soda with hot water until it's fully dissolved. Add the dates and raisins to this mixture and set it aside for now.

In a middle-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and sugar until they're smooth and well blended. One at a time, add in the eggs to the mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the date and raisin mixture that you prepared earlier.

To make the cookie dough, combine the flour and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Finally, add in the walnuts and mix until they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Using a spoon, drop small portions of the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie so that they have room to spread out during baking. The cookies should be at least 1 inch apart from one another.

Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.