Date Filled Cookies

Submitted by green_sleeves

"A tasty cookie my Mom always made at Christmas. They taste best made ahead and allowed to soften."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 10mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Yields: 30 double cookies
• Serves: 30

ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 1⁄2 lb dates
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

directions

1. Date Filling:

2. In a small saucepan combine dates, water & brown sugar.
3. Simmer until soft and spreadable, you might need a bit more water, if it gets too watery, just cook it down.
4. Allow to cool.
5. Combine the dry ingredients, Flour, Baking Powder and Salt; set aside.
6. Cream Shortening and Sugar, gradually add the beaten Egg and Vanilla; mix well.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the Sugar and Egg mixture; blending in after each additions.
8. Chill the dough 15 minutes. Roll the dough to 1/8" thick. Cut 3" circles or in cookie cutter shapes done in pairs.
9. Bake at 375F for 8-10 minutes, remove to a wire rack to cool.
10. Spread a small amount of date filling onto bottom side of a cookie and top with another cookie. Continue in this manner until all cookies are done in pairs.
11. These cookies can be prepared without the dates; cut out shapes, bake and decorate as desired. These freeze well.