Have you been searching for the perfect Italian dessert to impress your friends and family? Look no further than this delightful recipe for “Best Italian Fig Cookie Recipe – Cuccidati”! This classic Sicilian treat is a must-try for anyone who loves the rich flavors of figs, nuts, and spices all wrapped up in a sweet, buttery pastry. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
**Best Italian Fig Cookie Recipe – Cuccidati**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups dried figs
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup almonds
– 1/2 cup walnuts
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon cloves
– Zest of one orange
– Zest of one lemon
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup brandy
**Pastry:**
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup butter, cold and cubed
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Icing:**
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– Colored sprinkles, for decoration
**Instructions:**
1. Start by preparing the fig filling. In a food processor, combine the dried figs, raisins, almonds, and walnuts. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
2. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the orange marmalade, honey, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, and brandy. Stir well to combine. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder for the pastry.
4. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Knead the dough until it comes together and is smooth.
6. Divide the dough into smaller portions, and roll each portion out into a thin rectangle on a floured surface.
7. Spoon the fig filling onto the center of each rectangle and fold the dough over to enclose the filling, forming a log shape. Cut each log into smaller pieces.
8. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
9. While the cookies are baking, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with the icing and decorate with colored sprinkles.
These Best Italian Fig Cookies – Cuccidati are a labor of love worth every moment spent in the kitchen. The combination of sweet fig filling, crunchy nuts, and aromatic spices encased in a buttery pastry is simply irresistible. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a sweet bite after dinner, these cookies are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who try them. Share them with your loved ones and savor the joy of homemade goodness with every bite.
