[netfree]

Date filled cookies

Ingredients:
Maida (all purpose flour) - 3 cup
Powdered sugar - ½ cup
Butter - 1 cup
Rose essence - few drops
Water - 3 tbsp, approx
For Filling :
Chopped dates - 1 cup
Butter - 2 tbsp

Method

1. Mix maida with sugar.
2. Add butter in small pieces and rub gently with fingers till it is evenly distributed.
3. Add essence. Sprinkle water, little at a time and knead the dough till it holds together.
4. Rest the dough in a cool place for ½ hour.

For Filling :

1. Combine butter and dates.
2. Sprinkle with very little water and heat gently till dates are softened. Cool.
3. Make lime size balls of dough. Fill with dates.
4. Flatten slightly and place on a greased baking tray.
5. Bake in a moderate oven(180C) for about 20 minutes, till pale brown on top.
6. Cool and store in an air tight container.