Apricot-Filled Sandwich Cookies

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. In another bowl, combine flour and walnuts; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
• Shape into 1-1/2-in.-thick logs. Cut crosswise into 1/4-in. slices. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until bottoms begin to brown, 10-12 minutes. Cool completely on pans on wire racks.
• Meanwhile, for filling, combine apricots and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir until apricots are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain; cool to room temperature. Pulse 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon and apricots in a blender or food processor until smooth. Spread over bottoms of half of the cookies; cover with remaining cookies.
• For topping, melt chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.