Cuccidati, also known as Sicilian fig cookies, are a beloved Italian treat traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. These delightful cookies are filled with a rich mixture of dried figs, nuts and spices, enveloped in a tender, buttery dough. Here’s how you can make these delicious cookies at home:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk (as needed)
For the Filling:
1 pound dried figs, stems removed
1 cup dates, pitted
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts or almonds, finely chopped
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup Marsala wine or orange juice
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract together.
Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the Filling: In a food processor, combine the dried figs, dates, and raisins. Process until finely chopped.
Add the chopped nuts, honey, orange marmalade, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, lemon zest, and Marsala wine (or orange juice). Pulse until the mixture is well combined and forms a thick paste.
Transfer the filling to a bowl and set aside.
3. Assemble the Cuccidati: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread a line of the fig filling down the center of the dough, leaving a small border on each side. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Roll the log seam-side down. Cut the log into 1-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
5. Glaze the Cookies: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and decorate with colored sprinkles if desired.
Enjoy Your Cuccidati!
These delightful cuccidati cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season or any special occasion. Their rich, fruity filling and tender, buttery crust make them an irresistible treat that reflects the warmth and tradition of Italian baking. Buon appetito!
