Apple Date Filled Cookies

Yield: 5 dozen

Ingredients

Filling:

1 cup chopped dates

3/4 cup peeled apples, finely chopped

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon grated orange peel

1/4 cup orange juice

Cookies:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg

1 2/3 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Filling:
Mix dates, apples, sugar, orange zest and orange juice in 1- quart saucepan. Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens.

Boil and stir for 5 minutes. Cool. Set aside.

Cookies:
Beat sugars, butter, vanilla and egg in large bowl until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.

Roll dough into 16x8- inch rectangle between sheets of waxed paper. Remove top paper.

Spread dough with cooled apple date filling. Roll up dough with filling inside. Wrap tightly with remaining sheet of waxed paper.

Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours until firm.

Using a sharp knife, cut into 1/4- inch slices. Place about 1- inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees F. for 8 to 11 minutes or until lightly browned.

Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack and cool.

Please note that some ingredients and brands may not be available in every store.