FILLING:

3 c. dates
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. hot water

1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar

2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. buttermilk

3 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together. Drop by teaspoons on cookie sheet. Place 1/2 teaspoon filling on each cookie with 1/2 teaspoon batter on top of filling. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.