Refrigerator Filled Date Cookies

This recipe makes a fairly quick and easy fruit filled cookie. I usually make rolled cookies and fill and fold over like a half pie. These however, go quickly and are not as much work. The fruit filling can be varied. Try dried Apricots, figs or raisins. I have used canned Mincemeat also. I tend to use the smaller amount of nuts and chop them with a nut chopper. Like most refrigerator cookies these are better the next day.

Refrigerator Filled Cookies

Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies

1/2 cup shortening (half butter)

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar packed

1 large egg

1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon soda

1/2 teaspoon salt ( use just a little less as these are a little salty otherwise)

Fruit filling (below)

Fruit Filling

Cook 1/2 cup chopped dates* 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup water together about
 5 minutes. or until thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped nuts.  Mix shortening, sugars and egg thoroughly. Blend flour, soda, salt; stir into shortening mixture. Mix with hands if needed. Press and roll into a long smooth roll about 1 1/2” in diameter. Wrap in waxed paper; chill several hours or overnight.

Heat oven to 400°. with a thin sharp knife, cut 1/8 inch slices. Keep part of the dough chilled while working on the rest. Place slices on ungreased cookie sheet a little apart. Put 1/2 teaspoon of date filling on cookie and top with plain slice.

Bake 8 to 10 ten minutes, or until lightly browned.