Date-nut pinwheel cookies are attractive, delicious, and full of fruit and nuts. They are a favorite dessert, particularly at Christmas.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Filling:
2 packages (8 ounces each) pitted dates
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. In another bowl, whisk flour and baking soda; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough into three portions. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm enough to roll.
2. For filling, place dates, water, and sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until dates are tender and liquid is almost evaporated. Stir in walnuts; cool completely.
3. Roll each portion between two sheets of waxed paper into a 12×10-in. rectangle. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Remove waxed paper. Spread a third of the filling over each rectangle. Roll up tightly jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until firm.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap and cut dough crosswise into 1/3-in. slices. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
Enjoy!
