Cookies: Date Pinwheels

By NicoleS

Ingredients

• Filling:
• 1 1/4 cups dates, pitted & finely chopped
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 Tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Cookie Dough:
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

1. Combine dates, orange juice, granulated sugar, butter and 1 Tbsp. flour in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook 10 mins. or until thick, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tsp. vanilla; set aside to cool.
2. Beat brown sugar, cream cheese and shortening in large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed about 3 minutes or until creamy. Add eggs and remaining 1 tsp. vanilla; beat 2 minutes.
3. Combine remaining 3 cups flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Add to shortening mixture; stir just until blended. Divide dough in half. Roll one half of dough on a lightly floured surface into 12 x 9-inch rectangle. Spread half of the date mixture evenly over dough, leaving 1/4" border at top short edge. Starting at opposite end, tightly roll up dough jelly-roll style. Wrap in plastic wrap; freeze at least 1 hour. Repeat with remaining dough and date mixture.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheets. Using heavy thread or dental floss, cut dough into 1/4" slices. Place slices 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets.
5. Bake 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cookies stand on cookie sheets 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.