Name: Cuccidati
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 400 g dried figs; 130 g raisins; 145 g almonds; 110 g walnuts; 170 g honey; 60 ml liqueur (brandy, bourbon, or marsala); 15 g orange zest; 5 g cinnamon; 2 g ground cloves; 440 g flour; 150 g granulated sugar; 10 g baking powder; 3 g salt; 230 g cold unsalted butter; 2 large eggs; 168 g powdered sugar; 45 ml whole milk; decorative sprinkles (for decoration)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Cuccidati, also known as fig cookies, are a delightful Italian treat that beautifully blend rich flavors and history. These sweet pastries, traditionally made during the holiday season, are filled with a delicious mixture of figs, nuts, and spices, wrapped in a buttery dough that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a comforting dessert, Cuccidati is sure to impress with its unique taste and festive appeal.

Ingredients

400 g dried figs (14 oz)
130 g raisins (4.6 oz)
145 g almonds (5.1 oz)
110 g walnuts (3.9 oz)
170 g honey (6 oz)
60 ml liqueur (brandy, bourbon, or marsala) (2 fl oz)
15 g orange zest (0.5 oz)
5 g cinnamon (0.2 oz)
2 g ground cloves (0.07 oz)
440 g flour (15.5 oz)
150 g granulated sugar (5.3 oz)
10 g baking powder (0.35 oz)
3 g salt (0.1 oz)
230 g cold unsalted butter (8.1 oz)
2 large eggs
168 g powdered sugar (5.9 oz)
45 ml whole milk (1.5 fl oz)
Decorative sprinkles

Directions

Prepare the Filling: Blend the dried figs, raisins, almonds, walnuts, honey, liqueur, orange zest, cinnamon, and ground cloves in a food processor until smooth.
Make the Pastry Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold unsalted butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the eggs and mix until combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in). Cut the dough into rectangles or squares.
Wrap the Filling: Place a spoonful of the fig filling onto each dough piece. Fold the dough over and seal the edges to form cookies.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 175°C (347°F) and bake the cookies for about 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Decorate: Once cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and whole milk to make a sweet glaze. Drizzle over the cookies and sprinkle with decorative sprinkles. Allow the glaze to set.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Nutrition Info: Calories: 190 per cookie (may vary based on ingredients)

How to Serve

Cuccidati can be served as a delightful dessert or snack, perfect for any gathering. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them a great addition to afternoon tea parties. For festive occasions, consider arranging them on a platter with other holiday treats. Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container for a delightful sweet bite over several days.

FAQs

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?
While dried figs provide a concentrated sweetness and texture that is ideal for Cuccidati, you can experiment with fresh figs, but the cookies may require additional thickening agents.

How should I store Cuccidati?
Store Cuccidati in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated for longer freshness, though this may alter the texture slightly.

Can I freeze Cuccidati?
Yes, you can freeze Cuccidati before or after baking. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Cuccidati

Cuccidati, or fig cookies, are a delightful Italian treat filled with a mixture of figs, nuts, and spices, wrapped in a buttery dough, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 15

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 190

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Filling

400 g dried figs
130 g raisins
145 g almonds
110 g walnuts
170 g honey
60 ml liqueur (brandy, bourbon, or marsala)
15 g orange zest
5 g cinnamon
2 g ground cloves

For the Pastry Dough

440 g flour
150 g granulated sugar
10 g baking powder
3 g salt
230 g cold unsalted butter
2 large eggs

For the Glaze

168 g powdered sugar
45 ml whole milk
decorative sprinkles for decoration

Method

Preparation

Blend the dried figs, raisins, almonds, walnuts, honey, liqueur, orange zest, cinnamon, and ground cloves in a food processor until smooth.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the cold unsalted butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the eggs and mix until combined.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Assembling and Baking

After chilling, roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in).
Cut the dough into rectangles or squares.
Place a spoonful of the fig filling onto each dough piece.
Fold the dough over and seal the edges to form cookies.
Preheat the oven to 175°C (347°F) and bake the cookies for about 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Decoration

Once cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and whole milk to make a sweet glaze.
Drizzle over the cookies and sprinkle with decorative sprinkles.
Allow the glaze to set.