Natasha's Railroad Cookies

---

I make these every christmas and they always disappear! if there is anyone in your family or set of friends who is lactose intolerant, these are perfect.

---

Steps

---

For filling:.

---

Combine dates , granulated sugar and water in a medium saucepan.

---

Bring to boiling.

---

Reduce heat and simmer , stir over medium-low heat for 3 minutes or until water is absorbed and mixture is thick , stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

---

Stir in vanilla and ground nuts.

---

Cool.

---

Beat shortening , granulated sugar , and brown sugar in a very large mixing bowl.

---

Add eggs and vanilla.

---

Beat well.

---

Stir together 2 cups of flour , the baking soda , cinnamon , cream of tartar , and salt in a medium bowl.

---

Add to sugar mixture.

---

Beat well.

---

Beat or stir in the remaining flour to make a firm dough.

---

Divide dough into two portions.

---

Wrap and chill until easy to handle.

---

Roll half of the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 13x9 inch rectangle and 1 / 4 inch thick.

---

Spread with half of the filling.

---

Roll up jelly-roll style , starting from one long edge.

---

Cover the roll with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-24 hours.

---

Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

---

Slice an.

---

Ingredients

---

dates, granulated sugar, water, vanilla extract, ground pecans, butter flavor shortening, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, cream of tartar, salt