Surprise Zookies
(Crisp peanut butter cookies with apple butter filling)

1 1/2 cups sifted flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup light corn syrup
Jar of apple or other fruit butter

Preheat oven to 350� F.

Sift together dry ingredients. Cut in the shortening and peanut butter until it resembles coarse meal. Blend in the corn syrup. Place dough on waxed paper and shape into a long even roll 2 inches in diameter. Cover with the waxed paper and chill about 1 hour.

Cut into slices about 1/8 inch thick. Place half the slices on ungreased baking sheet(s). Put 1/2 tsp apple butter in the center of each, then cover with the remaining slices. Seal the edges with a fork.

Bake at 350 for 15 to 18 minutes.

Makes about 2 dozen.

AUTHOR: Charlotte