Cinnamon Date-Filled Cookies

In 1-quart saucepan, cook dates, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, the water and salt over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cool completely.

In medium bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Add flour, cinnamon and vanilla; beat well. Shape dough into a ball.

On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with 1 1/2- or 2-inch round cookie cutter. Using 1/2-inch star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out star in center of half of the cookies. Pierce solid cookies with fork. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets. Freeze 10 minutes.

Heat oven to 300°F. Remove cookies from freezer. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely.

For each sandwich cookie, spread about 1/2 teaspoon date filling on bottom of 1 solid cookie. Top with cutout cookie, bottom side down; gently press together. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.