Description
These Cuccidati are traditional Sicilian fig cookies, featuring a buttery pastry filled with a spiced fig and nut mixture, then topped with a sweet icing and colorful sprinkles! Perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold & cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Fig Filling:
- 2 cups dried figs, stems removed
- 1/2 cup dates or raisins
- 1/2 cup almonds or walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and milk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Fig Filling:
- In a food processor, blend figs, dates, nuts, honey, marmalade, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange juice, and zest until a thick paste forms.
3. Assemble the Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough into 3-inch-wide strips.
- Spread a thin line of fig filling down the center of each strip.
- Fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them together.
- Place seam-side down and slice into 2-inch pieces.
- Arrange cookies on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Let them cool completely before icing.
5. Decorate:
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing.
- Drizzle over the cooled cookies and top with sprinkles.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Make-Ahead: Dough and filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated.
- Variations: Some versions include chocolate chips, rum, or espresso in the filling for extra depth.
