Dried Fruit Cookie Recipes - Prune Squares

Ingredients

COOKIE BASE:

• 1 2/3 cups/250 g all-purpose/plain flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup/180 g butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups/300 g firmly packed light brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract/essence

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

 PRUNE FILLING:

• 1 1/4 cups/310 g pitted prunes

• 2 cups/500 ml water

• 4 tbsp honey

• Grated zest and juice of 1/4 lemon

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Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C/gas 4. Butter a 9-inch (23-cm) baking pan.

2. Cookie Base: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Beat the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until creamy.

3. Add the vanilla and egg, beating until just blended. Mix in the dry ingredients until well blended.

4. Prune Filling: Bring the prunes and water to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Drain well and transfer the prunes to a food processor or blender.

5. Add the honey and lemon zest and juice and process until smooth. Firmly press one third of the cookie base into the prepared pan to form a smooth, even layer.

6. Spoon over half of the prune filling and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with half the remaining cookie base and spread with the remaining prune filling.

7. Sprinkle with the remaining cookie base to finish. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting into squares.