Description
Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati) are a classic holiday treat filled with a sweet fig and raisin mixture, wrapped in a soft, buttery dough. These traditional cookies are perfect for Christmas or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Fig Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups dried figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 orange, zest only
- 1 apple, peeled and cored
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- Colorful sprinkles (nonpareils or jimmies)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Combine dried figs, raisins, orange zest, and apple in a food processor. Add sugar, cinnamon, and pecans.
- Mix the dough: Cream together shortening, butter, and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking powder, and milk.
- Chill dough: Divide dough into two portions and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble cookies: Roll out dough and cut into squares. Add fig filling and fold into logs.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Prepare the icing: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Decorate: Once cookies are cool, dip tops in icing and decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
- You can sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar, instead of topping them with the icing.
- Make sure to fully cool the cookies, before covering them with the icing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg