Prep: 30 mins | Bake: 10 mins / Batch + Cooling | Makes: about 9 dozen

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:

2pkg. (8 oz.) each pitted dates

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

  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. Divided dough into three portions. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hr or until dough is 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 of dough between two sheets of waxed paper into a 12×10″ rectangle. Refrigerate 30 mins. 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 wrap. Refrigerate until firm.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap and cut dough into 1.3″ slices. Place 2″ apart on greased baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until set. remove to wire racks to cool.