Date-filled Cookies

Ingredients

• 3 cups of all-purpose white flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup butter or margarine (at room temperature)
• 1½ cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

• 8 ounces of pitted dates, cut up
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Procedures

1. Sift the flour with the baking powder and salt.
2. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl mix the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually stir in the flour mixture until it is all well combined.
5. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
6. Divide dough into four parts and refrigerate until ready to use.
7. Meanwhile, make the filling: in a small saucepan combine the dates and sugar with ½ cup of water.
8. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until the mixture has thickened - about 5 minutes.
9. Remove from heat.
10. Stir in the lemon juice and walnuts.
11. Cool completely.
12. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough, one part at a time, ⅛ inch thick.
13. With a floured 2½ inch cookie cutter (or the bottom of a glass), cut out cookies.
14. Re-roll trimmings and cut.
15. Using a spatula, place half of the cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.
16. Spread 1 teaspoon of filling over each cookie.
17. Cover with another cookie.
18. With a floured fork, seal the edges firmly.
19. Also, prick the center of the cookie once with the fork.
20. Bake in a 375°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
21. Remove to a wire rack, cool and enjoy!