Date Moons

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. 2
   Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. 3
   Add flour and salt, and beat until blended.
4. 4
   Shape dough into a ball and wrap well in waxed paper or cling wrap.
5. 5
   Chill for an hour.
6. 6
   Combine dates, sugar, and water in a saucepan and cook over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened.
7. 7
   Remove fruit puree from heat; stir in walnuts and orange rind, and let cool.
8. 8
   Divide chilled dough in half.
9. 9
   Place half (or less) on a lightly floured surface, and roll to 1/8-inch thickness.
10. 10
    Cut dough with a 2 1/2-inch round cutter, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
11. 11
    Spoon 1/2 teaspoon date mixture in center of each cookie.
12. 12
    Repeat procedure with remaining dough.
13. 13
    Fold dough over filling, pressing edges with tines of a fork to seal.
14. 14
    Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
15. 15
    Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
16. 16
    Remove to a cooling rack until fully cool.
17. 17
    Sprinkle with powdered sugar.