Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened1 cup sugar1 cup packed brown sugar2 large eggs, room temperature4 cups all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking sodaFILLING:2 packages (8 ounces each) pitted dates1 cup water1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Preparation
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs. In another bowl, whisk flour and baking soda; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough into 3 portions; shape each into a disk. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or until firm enough to roll.
For filling, place dates, water and sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until dates are tender and liquid is almost evaporated. Stir in walnuts; cool completely.
Roll each dough portion between 2 sheets of waxed paper into a 12x10-in. rectangle. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Remove waxed paper. Spread 1/3 of the filling over each rectangle to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up tightly jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Wrap securely. Refrigerate until firm.
Preheat oven to 350°. Unwrap and cut dough crosswise into 1/3-in. slices. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
