Dewey's Mom's Friend Anne's Filled Cookies

Dewey's Mom's Friend Anne's Filled Cookies

These cookies, typically baked at Christmastime, are probably Abruzzese in origin, as they contain one of the hallmarks of Abruzzese sweet cookery -- a jammy, nutty, chocolately filling. 

This recipe comes from Dewey's mother's friend Anne.  I have no idea who Anne is, but she made good cookies.  Dewey made them already this year, and I tried them the other day when I stopped by.  I will return to Dew & Tony's for their Christmas brunch on Friday, and have every intention of eating nothing but these with coffee. 

For the dough:
3 eggs
1/3 c oil
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 1/2 - 3 c flour

Beat the eggs with the oil, sugar, and vanilla.  Combine the flour and baking powder in a large bowl.  Make a well in the center, and add the wet ingredients.  Mix well, until a ball is formed.  Knead for a minute or so until the dough is pliable and not sticky. 

For the filling:
2 16-oz jars apple butter
2 c raisins (1 c each dark and golden)
1 1/2 c chopped nuts (walnuts are fine; hazelnuts would be good, too)
1 c chocolate morsels (Dewey suggests the mini-morsels)

Roll out a piece of the dough into a 12" circle, about 1/8" thick.  Spoon on about 1/2 - 3/4 cup of the filling in the center of the circle.  Fold the circle in half.  (Think calzone or empanada.)  Crimp the edges all around with a fork.  Brush with egg wash. 

Bake in a 325°F oven 22-24 minutes, or until golden brown.  You might find they take as long as 30-35 minutes, depending on your oven. 

Cool thoroughly on a rack.  When cool, slice into 'finger' sized cookies. 

Try not to eat all of them at once.