Caramel Date Pinwheels
Country Woman Christmas
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When I want to make a cookie with fruit in it, this recipe is my first choice. It turns out well each time and has earned plenty of praise, including ribbons at our state fair.
SERVINGS: 84-96
CATEGORY: Dessert
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 35 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- FILLING:
- 1 package (8 ounces) chopped dates
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped red candied cherries
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until easy to handle.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the dates, water and sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in walnuts and cherries. Cool completely.
Divide dough in half; roll one portion between two sheets of waxed paper into a 12-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Spread with half of the filling. Roll up into a tight jelly roll, starting with a long side; wrap in plastic wrap. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
Unwrap and cut into 1/4-in. slices with a sharp knife; place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: 7-8 dozen.