Date Filled Oatmeal Cookies

1. 1

   In a small sauce pan place the dates, raisins,sugar, lemon juice and add enough water to cover the mixture.

2. 2

   Place on high heat and bring to a rapid boil and boil for about 15 minutes, continuously stirring to prevent the mixture from burning until the dates begin to break down and the liquid reduces and a thick sauce is made.

3. 3

   Remove from the heat and add the 2 tsp of corn starch mixed with 2 tsp of water into the filling and stir to combine and thicken.

4. 4

   Place the filling into a container with lid and refrigerate a few hours to overnight.

5. 5

   For the Oatmeal Cookies and Assembly:

6. 6

   In a bowl combine the flour,oatmeal, salt, cinnamon and the baking powder.

7. 7

   In a mixer cream the sugar and the shortening. Slowly add the dry ingredients, once combined add the buttermilk and mix until a dough forms.

8. 8

   Place the dough onto a well floured table and knead until a smooth not too sticky dough is formed ( you may have to add more flour).

9. 9

   Form the dough into a ball and place into a bowl and cover and let sit in the refrigerator 1 hour to overnight.

10. 10

    To Assemble:

11. 11

    Cut the dough into 1/4's, and roll the dough out to 1/4 to 1/8 inch thickness. Using a circular cookie cutter 21/2 to 23/4 inches in diameter cut out circles, you will need two for every cookie.

12. 12

    Place half the circles on a greased sheet pan or a silpat covered pan. Spoon about 1 Tbs of the cooled filling into the center and cover with a second circle. Crimp the edges and cut a small vent hole in the top of the cookie.

13. 13

    Bake in the center of a 350u00b0 oven for approximately 20 minutes. Carefully place on a wire rack to cool. Store in an air tight container.

14. 14

    As an alternative you can bake the cookies in a single layer for about 12- 15 minutes until lightly browned, cool, then spread the filling over one and top with another like an Oreo.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.