These cookies incorporate the spices associated with the festive season, plus they have a sweet surprise inside - a mixture of sweet dates, orange flavouring and crunchy hazelnuts. They're perfect for a hostess gift or to tote along for a cookie swap.

Orange Medjool Date Stuffed Spice Cookies

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Bake Time: about 12 minutes per batch

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup large flake oats

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

? pinch ground cloves

3/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Orange Date Filling

1 cup pitted Medjool dates, chopped

1/2 tsp grated orange rind

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cup flaked hazelnuts (filberts)

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Orange Date Filling: In a small saucepan, combine dates, orange rind and juice and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring once, for about 8 minutes or until juice is absorbed and dates are very soft. Remove from heat and stir to break up dates. Stir in hazelnuts and vanilla; set aside to cool.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves; set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat together butter and granulated and brown sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Using a wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture. Then, using hands, bring dough together into a soft mixture.

Place a level 1 Tbsp measure of the dough on a work surface and flatten into a circle. Place 1 tsp of the filling into the centre and top with another flattened 1 Tbsp of the dough. Pinch edges to seal. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Bake in a 350 F oven for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden around edges. Let cool slightly before serving.

Makes about 30 cookies.

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