Date-Filled Cookie Wraps

Portions:50 cookies
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Ingredients

COOKIES

  • 4 oz half of 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 4 teaspoons coarse white sparkling sugar

DATE FILLING

  • 1 box 8 oz chopped dates
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  • In large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy.
  • On low speed, gradually beat in flour.
  • On large piece of plastic wrap, form dough into 10×5-inch rectangle.
  • Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, stir together dates, ½ cup water and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.
  • Heat to boiling.
  • Reduce heat to low; cook 5 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  • Cool 5 minutes.
  • Stir in orange peel, vanilla and walnuts; set aside.
  • Heat oven to 325°F.
  • Line 2 cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper.
  • Cut dough in half into 2 squares.
  • On floured surface, roll 1 square of dough into 10-inch square.
  • Using fluted pastry wheel, cut into 5 rows by 5 rows to create 25 (2-inch) squares.
  • Spoon 1 teaspoon date mixture onto center of each 2-inch square.
  • Bring 2 opposite corners of dough together, partially overlapping and covering date mixture.
  • Using fingers dipped in water, press dough to seal.
  • On cookie sheets, place dough wraps 1 inch apart.
  • Repeat with other half of dough and remaining date mixture.
  • In small bowl, beat egg white and 1 tablespoon water; brush onto dough wraps.
  • Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  • Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until edges begin to turn light golden brown.
  • Cool 2 to 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Festive Touch

A plate of these cookies wrapped in cellophane and a bow would make a wonderful hostess or thank-you gift. You could put them on a decorative paper plate or purchase a special plate at the store or a thrift shop.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 60 kcal
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