Filled Cookies

I got this recipe from a friend who is a great cook.

1/2 C shortening
1 C sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 C flour
1/4 tsp salt
jam or pie filling

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs. Blend well. Add dry ingredients. Blend. Add vanilla. Blend well. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll dough out on lightly floured surface to about 1/16" thick. Cut to desired shape, two for each cookie. For decorative effect, cut top cookie in center, i.e. heart, start, etc. Place bottom cookie on greased, or non-stick, cookie sheet. Spread teasponful of filling on cookie. Put on top cookie. Press edges together with fork tines. Bake 8 to 10 minutes.

Optional: After baking, glaze with thin glaze of confectioners sugar and water brushed on with a pastry brush. I think the glaze gives the cookies a finished look.

These are good for special occasion cookies since they are a little labor intensive. I generally cook them for around 8 minutes since I like a softer cookie.