Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati)

Introduction

Growing up, I remember visiting my Italian grandmother, who would always have a batch of Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati) waiting for us. These cookies, rich in flavor and tradition, bring together a delightful mixture of dried figs, raisins, and spices, all wrapped in a soft, buttery dough. The first bite was always a trip down memory lane, reminding me of family gatherings, laughter, and the warmth of the kitchen. Now, making these cookies myself has become a cherished tradition, and I love sharing them with my family during the holidays. The soft dough combined with the sweet, spiced filling is absolutely irresistible, and the glaze on top adds a lovely finishing touch. It’s a recipe that’s both simple and elegant, and it’s perfect for any occasion where you want to share something special.

Ingredients

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:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is smooth.
7. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a food processor, combine the dried figs, raisins, and walnuts. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add the honey, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and lemon zest to the mixture and pulse again until well-blended. Set aside.

Assemble the Cookies:

1. Roll each portion of dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
2. Spread the fig filling along the center of each dough strip.
3. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal the cookies.
4. Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and garnish with sprinkles for a festive touch.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Cookie)

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 36 cookies

How to Serve

• Serve at room temperature: These cookies are delicious at room temperature, as the filling firms up and the glaze sets.
• For the holidays: Serve these cookies at holiday gatherings, family parties, or bake them as a special treat to give to friends and neighbors.
• As an after-dinner treat: Pair these fig cookies with a cup of coffee or tea to round out a perfect dessert experience.
• Gift them: Pack the cookies in a beautiful gift box or jar and tie it with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for keeping the dough firm and making it easier to handle while filling and shaping.
2. Use fresh figs: If possible, use fresh figs for a sweeter, more flavorful filling. Dried figs work just fine, but fresh ones will enhance the flavor.
3. Spice it up: Adjust the spices according to your preferences. Add a little extra cinnamon or a pinch of allspice for added depth in the filling.
4. Make the dough ahead of time: You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
5. Bake on parchment paper: This helps prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures they come off cleanly.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Omit the walnuts and replace them with more raisins or a combination of sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version of these cookies.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Add chocolate chips to the dough or the filling for a sweet, decadent twist on the traditional recipe.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Make sure to check the labels on all other ingredients, including the cake mix, to ensure they are gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• For a more decadent touch: Drizzle extra honey over the cookies before serving for a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the fig filling.
• With whipped cream: Serve with freshly whipped cream or mascarpone for an indulgent dessert option.
• Pair with dessert wine: These cookies are also delicious paired with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as Vin Santo or Moscato, for a truly elegant treat.
• As part of a cookie platter: These cookies make a wonderful addition to a holiday cookie platter alongside other treats like gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or sugar cookies.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies freeze wonderfully! Once baked and fully cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The glaze may soften slightly in storage, but the flavor will remain intact.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use different nuts for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts such as almonds, pecans, or pistachios, depending on your preference.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before using it.

3. How do I keep the filling from leaking out during baking?
Be sure to firmly seal the dough around the filling before baking. Chilling the dough and filling before baking also helps to keep everything intact.

4. Can I add other dried fruits to the filling?
Yes, you can add dried apricots, dates, or dried cherries for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to chop them finely to ensure even distribution in the filling.

5. Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh figs can be used, though they have a higher water content. You may need to reduce the amount of honey in the filling to compensate for the added moisture.

6. How do I make sure the glaze sets properly?
Allow the cookies to cool completely before drizzling the glaze. This ensures that the glaze firms up and doesn’t soak into the cookies.

7. Can I make these cookies without the glaze?
Yes, if you prefer a simpler version, you can skip the glaze. The cookies will still be delicious on their own.

8. Can I use store-bought pie dough for this recipe?
While you can use store-bought pie dough in a pinch, the homemade dough gives a more authentic flavor and texture that complements the fig filling.

9. How do I prevent the dough from getting too sticky?
If the dough becomes too sticky to work with, chill it for an additional 10-15 minutes before rolling it out. Dusting your surface and rolling pin with flour can also help.

10. Can I make these cookies with a different filling?
Yes! You can easily substitute the fig filling with other fruit preserves, such as apricot or raspberry, to create your own unique version of these cookies.

Conclusion

Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati) are a delightful treat that combines rich fig filling, fragrant spices, and a soft, buttery dough. With a history rooted in Italian tradition, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a special family gathering, or simply to enjoy a homemade treat, they’re sure to impress with their deliciously sweet and spiced flavor.

The glaze and sprinkles add a festive touch, making them not only tasty but beautiful to serve as well. So why not bring a bit of Italy into your kitchen and make these traditional fig cookies today? They are the perfect way to create lasting memories with family and friends.

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