Date-filled Cookies

Ingredients

 * 3 cups of all-purpose white flour
 * 1 teaspoon baking powder
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * ¾ cup butter or margarine (at room temperature)
 * 1½ cups sugar
 * 2 eggs
 * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

 * 8 ounces of pitted dates, cut up
 * ½ cup sugar
 * ¼ cup lemon juice
 * ½ cup chopped walnuts

Directions

 * 1) Sift the flour with the baking powder and salt.
 * 2) Set aside.
 * 3) In a large bowl mix the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.
 * 4) Gradually stir in the flour mixture until it is all well combined.
 * 5) Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
 * 6) Divide dough into four parts and refrigerate until ready to use.
 * 7) Meanwhile, make the filling: in a small saucepan combine the dates and sugar with ½ cup of water.
 * 8) Cook, stirring, over medium heat until the mixture has thickened - about 5 minutes.
 * 9) Remove from heat.
 * 10) Stir in the lemon juice and walnuts.
 * 11) Cool completely.
 * 12) On a lightly floured surface, roll dough, one part at a time, ⅛ inch thick.
 * 13) With a floured 2½ inch cookie cutter (or the bottom of a glass), cut out cookies.
 * 14) Re-roll trimmings and cut.
 * 15) Using a spatula, place half of the cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.
 * 16) Spread 1 teaspoon of filling over each cookie.
 * 17) Cover with another cookie.
 * 18) With a floured fork, seal the edges firmly.
 * 19) Also, prick the center of the cookie once with the fork.
 * 20) Bake in a 375°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
 * 21) Remove to a wire rack, cool and enjoy!