1 cup (2 sticks) margarine
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
3 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Cream together margarine and brown sugar. Add eggs and blend thoroughly. Stir in remaining ingredients. Mix well.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a baking sheet.

With a spoon form a "well" in each mound of dough. Place about one teaspoonful of cooled Date Filling (see below) in each "well".

Drop another small portion of dough over the filling of each mound.

Bake at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes.

DATE FILLING:

2 cups pitted dates
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Combine dates, granulated sugar, and water in a saucepan. Cook slowly until thickened. Stir in nuts (if using). Cool.

Makes 4 dozen (2 1/2-inch) cookies.