Rolled and Sliced Cookies
Christmas Cookies

• 1 (8 ounce) package pitted dates
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Combine dates, water, and 1/4 cup sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Let cool.

Cream butter; gradually add brown sugar, beating well. Add egg; beat well.

Combine flour, soda, salt, and cinnamon; add to creamed mixture, stirring well. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.

Roll dough to a 16 x 10 inch rectangle on waxed paper; spread with date filling. Roll up jellyroll fashion, beginning with long end; remove waxed paper while rolling. Pinch ends to seal. Cover; chill overnight. Cut into 1/4 inch slices; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375° for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks.

Yield: about 4 1/2 dozen.

---

---

---

---