FRUIT-FILLED SPRITZ COOKIES

Fruit-Filled Spritz Cookies image

Provided by Chrystal Cackler @journeyrock92

Categories Cookies

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 1/2 cup(s) chopped dates
1 cup(s) water
1/2 cup(s) sugar
2 teaspoon(s) orange juice
2 teaspoon(s) grated orange peel
1 cup(s) maraschino cherries, chopped
1/2 cup(s) flaked coconut
1/2 cup(s) ground nuts
FOR THE DOUGH
1 cup(s) butter, softened
1 cup(s) sugar
1/2 cup(s) packed brown sugar
3 - eggs
1/2 teaspoon(s) almond extract
1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla
4 cup(s) all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
- powdered sugar, optional

Steps:

In a small saucepan, combine the first five ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 8 minutes or until thickened. Cool completely. Stir in the cherries, coconut and nuts; set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extracts. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Using a cookie press fitted with a bar disk, press a 12-in.-long strip of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Spread fruit filling over dough. Press another strip over filling. Cut into 1-in. pieces (there is no need to separate the pieces). Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Bake at 375° for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden. Recut into pieces if necessary. Remove to wire racks to cool. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.