DATE SWIRL COOKIES

By bjnelson55

Ingredients

• FILLING:
• 2 cups chopped dates
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• DOUGH:
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup baking soda

Preparation

Step 1

In a saucepan, combine filing ingredients. Cook over medium to low heat; stirring constantly until mixture becomes stiff, about 15-20 minutes. Chill.

For dough, cream butter and sugars in a mixing bowl. Add eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition. Add extract. Combine flour, salt and baking soda; gradually add to cramed mixture and mix well. Chill for at least one hour.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough to a 12 inch x 9 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread with half of the filling.

Roll up tightly jelly-roll style, staring with the long end. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Wrap with plastic; chill overnight.

Cut rolls into 1/4 inch slices. Place 2 inche apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Remove to wire racks to cool.

Makes 4 dozen cookies.