Date Turnover Cookies

Instructions

1. Step 1

   In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup sugar, the shortening, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until light.

2. Step 2

   Stir in the flour, salt, and baking soda to form a soft dough. Cover and refrigerate the dough mixture for at least 1 hour.

3. Step 3

   In a saucepan, combine the date filling ingredients. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick. Cool completely.

4. Step 4

   Heat oven to 400 F.

5. Step 5

   Line baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased.

6. Step 6

   Take the dough out of the refrigerator and dump it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out to as thin as possible or about 1/16-inch thick.

7. Step 7

   Cut the rolled dough into 3-inch rounds or squares. Spoon about 1 teaspoon date filling onto one side of each circle leaving enough of an edge to seal. Moisten edges with some water.

8. Step 8

   Fold the dough over filling; pinch edges to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

9. Step 9

   Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.

10. Step 10

    Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Use regular or a larger grain decorative sugar.

11. Step 11

    Bake the cookies until they are lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.

12. Step 12

    Immediately remove them from the baking sheet. Optional Glaze

13. Step 13

    In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the confectioners' sugar with 1 tablespoon of soft butter, a dash of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk, as needed, for a drizzling consistency.

14. Step 14

    Put the glaze in a small plastic sandwich bag and cut a very small piece of a corner off.

15. Step 15

    Squeeze the glaze over the cooled turnovers.