Stuffed Cookies

These cookies were passed down from my grandmother and I make them every year (or else risk being disowned by my family).

Dough

• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup shortening
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 4 Tbs milk

Cream shortening; blend in sugar, add eggs and beat until smooth. Add vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Roll out 1/8″ thick.

Filling

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 Tbs flour
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup dates, chopped
• 2 Tbs lemon juice
• pinch salt
• 3/4 cup water

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thick. Cool.

Cut out 2 cookies (use Christmas shapes, but nothing too narrow). Place about 1 tsp of filling between cookies (sandwich fashion) and press edges to seal. Bake at 400 degrees for 6-8 minutes, or until they just start to brown around the edges.

Makes approx. 60 cookies