3 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. stick butter
1 1/2 c. white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. cream (mix 1/4 tsp. baking soda with sour cream)

With mixer, whip butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and whip until light in color; add vanilla. Add salt, baking soda and baking powder to flour. Blend sour cream and flour mixture alternately to batter with mixer (mix slightly). Put 1 tablespoon cookie dough on greased cookie sheet. Smash each cookie on top. Dip fingers in flour and press together edge of each cookie.

Bake at 350°F to 375°F for 12 minutes or until slightly golden brown (sprinkle sugar on top before baking and can put walnut half in middle of each cookie).

Date Filling:

8 oz. (1/2 lb.) dates, cut up
1/2 c. sugar
2 tbsp. flour
1/2 c. water

Boil until thick (stir), and then cool. Can also frost with powdered sugar-cream cheese frosting if desired.