Filled cookies, also known as sandwich cookies or filled biscuits, are a delightful and nostalgic treat enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. These cookies consist of two layers of thin, often slightly sweetened cookie dough, with a flavorful filling sandwiched between them. The filling can vary widely, ranging from fruit preserves and chocolate spreads to nut-based fillings and creamy confections. Filled cookies not only satisfy the palate with their combination of textures and flavors but also hold a special place in culinary history.

The concept of sandwiching fillings between layers of baked goods dates back centuries. In medieval Europe, bakers began to experiment with various fillings, leading to the creation of early forms of filled pastries and cookies. The 19th century saw the rise of more intricate and diverse cookie recipes, with the popularity of tea-time snacks and the emergence of packaged biscuits.

The exact origin of the filled cookie as we know it today is challenging to pinpoint, as various cultures contributed to its evolution. European traditions like Linzer cookies, made with jam filling and decorative cutouts, and Alfajores, a South American treat consisting of dulce de leche sandwiched between shortbread-like cookies, showcase the global appeal of filled cookies.

INGREDIENTS

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 egg
• 1 cupful sugar
• 1/2 cupful Crisco (shortening)
• 1/2 cupful milk or cream
• 1 teaspoonful vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoonful baking soda
• 2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
• 3-1/2 cupfuls flour
• 1/2 teaspoonful salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cupful chopped raisins
• 1 tablespoonful flour
• 1/2 cupful sugar
• 1/2 cupful water
• 1/2 cupful chopped walnut meats

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream Crisco and sugar together in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the salt, then the well-beaten egg, and continue mixing.
3. Pour in the milk or cream and vanilla extract, and mix thoroughly.
4. Sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda together, then gradually add them to the mixture while mixing.
5. Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a floured surface.
6. Roll the dough very thin using a rolling pin.
7. Cut out the cookie shapes using a cookie cutter.
8. Assembly: Spread the filling onto half of the cut-out cookies.
9. Place the remaining cookies on top of the filled ones and press the edges together to create cookie sandwiches.
10. Grease baking tins with Crisco and place the assembled cookies on them.
11. Bake the cookies in a moderately hot oven at 350°F (175°C) for about fifteen minutes or until they turn golden brown.

For the Filling:

1. Mix sugar and flour in a saucepan.
2. Add the chopped raisins, chopped walnut meats, and water to the saucepan.
3. Stir the mixture and cook over medium heat until it thickens into a spreadable consistency.
4. Allow the filling to cool before using it.

Conclusion: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

• Filled cookies have come a long way from their humble beginnings as simple pastries. Their evolution across cultures and culinary traditions showcases the creativity and adaptability of bakers worldwide. From medieval Europe to modern kitchens, filled cookies continue to captivate our taste buds, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them a beloved treat for any occasion.