Date-Filled Sandwich Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda

Filling:
2 cups chopped dates
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup water

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.

Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a 2-1/2-in. cookie cutter dipped in flour.

Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

In a saucepan, combine filling ingredients. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Cool to room temperature. Spread on the bottom of half of the cookies; top with remaining cookies. Makes 3 dozen.