Date Turnovers

Ingredients

• 2 cups pitted dates , chopped
• 0.5 cups water
• 1.75 cups brown sugar , divided
• 0.5 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2.5 cups regular rolled oats
• 0.5 cups melted butter
• 0.5 cups butter-flavored shortening , such as Crisco®

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat dates, water, and 1/4 cup brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until dates are very soft, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

2. 2

   Stir together milk and vinegar in a small bowl; set aside to curdle, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Whisk together flour and baking soda in a large bowl; stir in oats and remaining 1 1/2 cups brown sugar. Stir in melted butter, melted shortening, and curdled milk mixture until well combined; cover dough and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. 5

   Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface, about 1/8-inch thick. Cut out dough circles with a round cookie cutter. Place about 1 tablespoon date mixture in the center of each circle; fold in half and press edges together tightly to seal. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven until golden, about 10 minutes. Remove to cool completely on a wire rack.