Description
Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati) are a traditional Italian treat filled with a rich mixture of dried figs, raisins, and walnuts, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The soft dough is rolled around the flavorful filling, baked until golden, and finished with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups dried figs, stems removed
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup walnuts
- ½ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and orange zest. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is smooth. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: In a food processor, combine the figs, raisins, and walnuts. Pulse until finely chopped. Add honey, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and lemon zest, and pulse until the mixture is well-blended.
- Assemble the Cookies: Roll each dough portion into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread the filling along the center of each dough strip. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal. Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are golden.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and garnish with sprinkles.
Notes
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and handle.
- Customize the filling: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking, or add other dried fruits such as apricots or dates.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for up to 1 week.