Grandma Ishman's Date Pinwheels

My grandmother used to make these cookies when I was a child...it was one of my few memories I have of her after passing away so young. My mom took it on and this cookie is still my favorite of all time...but for some reason I just can't make them as good as I remember...even when following the recipe exactly :)

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 40

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1⁄2 cup light brown sugar
• 3⁄4 cup white sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1  egg, beaten
• 2  cups flour, all-purpose
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup dates, pitted and chopped
• 1⁄4 cup pecans, chopped

Directions

1. Cream butter in a large bowl with mixer. Add brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, vanilla and egg. Beat until light and creamy.
2. Add sifted dry ingredients and mix well.
3. Chill for 1-3 hours until firm enough to roll-out.
4. In a meantime, add dates to a sauce pan with 1/4 cup white sugar and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook 5 minutes. Add nuts. Remove from heat and cool.
5. Separate dough in half and roll each half into a 9x12 rectangle. Spread each rectangle with filling. Roll each rectangle into a log.
6. Wrap in wax paper and freeze overnight.
7. Slice into 1/8 inch thick cookies and bake on a lightly greased baking sheet at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.