Cinnamon Date-Filled Cookies

Steps

• 1

  In 1-quart saucepan, cook dates, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, the water and salt over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cool completely.
• 2

  In medium bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Add flour, cinnamon and vanilla; beat well. Shape dough into a ball.
• 3

  On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with 1 1/2- or 2-inch round cookie cutter. Using 1/2-inch star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out star in center of half of the cookies. Pierce solid cookies with fork. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets. Freeze 10 minutes.
• 4

  Heat oven to 300°F. Remove cookies from freezer. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely.
• 5

  For each sandwich cookie, spread about 1/2 teaspoon date filling on bottom of 1 solid cookie. Top with cutout cookie, bottom side down; gently press together. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.