Ingredients

Date Filling:
1 lb. pitted dates, chopped
1/2 cup water
grated zest of one orange
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Cookie Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon rosewater or orange-flower water or vanilla
2 to4 tablespoons milk or water
sifted powdered sugar

Directions

Filling: Combine in saucepan dates and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered about five minutes. Stir in orange zest and cinnamon.
Cookies: In bowl, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in flour and milk and flower water. Knead until the dough holds together and is easy to shape. make small balls about the size of a walnut. Make hollow with your thumb. Place a spoonful of the filling in the middle. Pinch top to seal. Looks like a pocketbook. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until slighty brown. While still warm, roll in powdered sugar.

Notes