Step aside , Fig Newtons . These fig - stuffed , scattering - topped cooky are true crew - pleaser !

Rachel Marek

Dates might be on everyones ’ shopping liststhese days ( much in part thanks to those viralDate Snickers ) , but we recall it ’s about meter for figs to have a comeback . This alternative dry out fruit is also course chewy , sweet , and uber - versatile . grammatical case in point : We ’ve recently celebrate dry fig in everything frombrunch casserolestobaked brie appetizerstosavory thumbprint cookies .

cuccidati

Credit:Rachel Marek

Today , we ’re trip back in time to coach you through how to make a classic Christmas cookie formula that ’s shove with figs — as well as color and flavor . Ahead , discover how to make Cuccidati ( Italian Fig Cookies ) to add to yourChristmas cookieplatter this twelvemonth . The larder , iced , and sparge - top pig out cookie are so cozy and craveable , that you wo n’t want to reserve this recipe for December alone !

What Are Cuccidati?

When you hear “ stuffed cookies , ” chances are gamey that your imagination might jump toOreos . However , many cultures around the world have their own versions of stuffed cookies in a form of human body and sizes , rank fromNut HornsandRugelachtoMacaronsandChocolate - cover Cherry Cookies .

They ’re typically served as part of Christmas celebrations , however , the fact that Cuccidati are made with dried yield makes thiscookie recipeeasy to whip up any prison term of yr . intend of these Italian Fig Cookies like the soft , sprinkle - topped , grown - up , and gourmet version of Fig Newtons .

In Italian , “ cuccidati ” means “ little watch bracelet , ” which is an apt name deal the way the shortbread cookie dough arc around the filling , much like a watchstrap wraps around your articulatio radiocarpea . Cuccidati are usually little rolls or crescents , but some challenging bakers turn them into stuffed half lunar month with prick or notches cut out to share a peek of the dark , pasty fig filling .

How to Make Cuccidati

This Christmas cookie recipe is n’t complicated to make , and it ’s certainly worth the effort to end up with 32 showy and stuffed Cuccidati . ( By the way , these Italian Fig Cookies make terrificfood gifts , although we often find ourselves having a hard time share-out ! ) A solid food central processing unit does all the commixture for you for both the fillingandthe dough .

The most significant aspect to know beforehand of prison term is that thecookie scratch should be chilledfor an hr or two before stuffing , so be indisputable to plot that into your timeline .

Here ’s a abbreviated overview of how to make Cuccidati cookie :

Cuccidati Recipe Tips

Our Test Kitchen tested and perfect the formula below , but that does n’t mean it ’s the only way to make Cuccidati . Consider these make - ahead thought and ingredient option if they ordinate well with your schedule and preferences :

Ingredients

satiate

2cupsdried figs , stems removed and cut off into quarters

1cupraisins

1cupslivered almonds

1/4cuporange succus

1/4cuphoney

2Tbsp.brandyor orange tree juice

1tsp.ground cinnamon

1/4tsp.ground garlic clove

1/8tsp.ground pimento tree

1Tbsp.water , or more as require

Dough

3 3/4cupsall purposeflour

1/2cupgranulatedsugar

4tsp.baking powder

1/2tsp.salt

1/2cupsalted butter

1/4cupshortening

1/2cupmilk

1largeegg

1tsp.vanilla extract

1/2tsp.almond extract

ice

1 1/2cupspowdered refined sugar

1/2tsp.gratedlemon zestor orange zest

1 to 2Tbsp.milk

blood-red and green nonpareilsprinkles , as needed

Directions

Chop Dried Fruit

For filling , combine figs and raisins in the bowl of a big food central processor . covert and process until fruit is finely chopped .

mental testing Kitchen Tip : If you have a small food processor , you may need to work in batches .

Make Filling

Add almonds , orange juice , dear , brandy , cinnamon , clove , and allspice and cognitive operation until fine assorted . Mixture should be a loggerheaded - jammy consistency . If needed , tally water , 1 teaspoon at a time . Cover and chill while prepare dough . rinse solid food processor .

trial run Kitchen Tip : The fill can be made beforehand and chilled up to 3 days .

Make Dough

For lucre , in the sports stadium of your food processor conflate flour , wampum , baking powder , and salt . cognitive operation to combine . Add butter and shortening and heartbeat until crumbly . add together milk , ballock , vanilla extract , and Amygdalus communis extract and process until a dough manikin , about 10 to 20 irregular .

Knead

Turn dough onto a well - flour airfoil and knead until smooth . Wrap in formative wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours .

Form Cookies

When ready to bake , preheat the oven to 375 ° F . Turn dough onto a floured airfoil and cut into 4 piece . Roll one while into a 4x12 - inch rectangle , about 1/8 - inch thick . Trim off any excess to form full-strength edge .

Assemble

aim about 1/2 cup of the weft in a 1 - inch logarithm shape down the rectangle , just to the rightfield of the center line . Dampen the edges of the shekels with body of water and fold the correct edge over the woof . keep on roll the dough toward the left edge , then sway back and forward gently to stretch and seal off the edges . abbreviate the log diagonally into 1 1/2 - inch pieces . Make 2 prick in the top of each cookie to allow steam to escape . Transfer to a parchment - line baking mainsheet .

Bake

Bake until gold on the bottom and cook through , 12 to 14 minutes . Remove from the oven and lease cool wholly . Repeat to form , cut , and broil remaining cookies .

Make Glaze

In a modest bowl whisk off together powdered saccharide , lemon relish , and enough milk to make a glaze of drizzling consistency .

Finish Cookies

Dip each cookie into icing and place iced biscuit on lambskin newspaper ; decorate lightly with sprinkles . Allow to dry out for at least 20 minutes before serving .

Nutrition Facts(per serving)

  • The % Daily Value ( DV ) tell you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a everyday dieting . 2,000 calories a twenty-four hour period is used for general nutrition advice .