Description
Fig Cookies (Cucidati) are classic Sicilian holiday cookies featuring a buttery, tender dough wrapped around a rich, spiced filling of dried figs, nuts, citrus, and warm spices. These traditional Italian cookies are perfect for Christmas or any time you crave a nostalgic, fruit-filled treat. Beautifully glazed or dusted with powdered sugar, they’re both delicious and festive.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 20 dried figs, stems removed and halved (about 1 cup)
- 6 dried dates, pitted and halved (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
For the Glaze (optional):
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice or milk for mixing
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Pulse to mix. Add butter and pulse until crumbly. Add eggs and vanilla; process until a soft dough forms. Divide into two logs, flatten slightly, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: In the same processor, add figs, dates, walnuts, almonds, raisins, marmalade, honey, cinnamon, salt, and allspice. Pulse until thick and sticky but not pureed. Chill until ready to use.
- Roll, Fill, and Shape: On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Spoon a line of filling down the center, fold dough over, seal edges, and roll gently into a log. Cut into 1–1½-inch pieces.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on parchment-lined sheets and bake 18–22 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Glaze or Dust: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze or dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
Notes
- Use fresh, soft dried fruits for the best texture.
- Chill the dough for easier handling and cleaner cuts.
- Don’t overfill — too much filling may cause cracks while baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer.
- For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie