Chocolate Nut-filled Cookies

cookies, desserts

2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cup flour, all-purpose
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
----CHOCOLATENUT FILLING----
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1/4 cup pecans; chopped

Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy; add egg, and beat well. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix well. Chill dough 2 to 4 hours. Roll out dough to 1/8" thickness on a lightly floured board. Cut half of dough into 36 circles with a 2" cookie cutter. Using a 2" doughnut cutter, cut remaining dough into 36 circles. Place solid circles on lightly greased cookie sheets. In center of each circle, place a teaspoon of Chocolate-Nut Filling; spread almost to the edges. Top with a circle cut with doughnut cutter; seal edges with fork tines. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. (Cookies may be filled with jam.) Chocolate-Nut Filling: Combine all ingredients; cook over low heat until thick and smooth. cool. Yield: about 1 cup filling. SOURCE: Southern Living Magazine, May 1974. Typos by Nancy Coleman.