1 c. soft shortening
2 eggs
1/2 c. water or sour milk or buttermilk
3 1/2 c. flour
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix well the shortening, sugar and eggs. Stir in water and vanilla. Sift together and stir in flour, soda, salt and cinnamon. Drop with teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet. Place 1/2 teaspoon filling on dough and cover with 1/2 teaspoon dough.

FILLING:

2 c. dates or raisins
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. water
1/2 c. chopped nuts, add if desired

Cook until well blended. Cool.