Orange Blossom Date-Walnut Strudel Biscuits

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 48

250g cultured unsalted butter, softened
½ cup icing sugar, sifted
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla paste
1 tsp orange blossom water
2½ cups plain flour
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup pitted Medjool dates
1 cup walnuts, toasted
1 tsp ground cinnamonfinely-grated zest of 1 lemon

METHOD

1 Preheat oven to 160°C. Combine the butter and icing sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat with the paddle attachment on medium speed for 5 imputes, until very light. Add the egg, vanilla and orange blossom water, and mix until smooth. Fold in the flour and baking powder and mix until a smooth dough forms.

2 Combine the dates, walnuts, cinnamon and lemon zest in a food processor and purée until smooth.

3 Roll the dough out to a rectangle 50cm x 12cm, then place the date mixture along the long edge and roll up, pitching the seam to enclose. Slice 2cm wide, then arrange on a lined tray and bake for 20-22 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.