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Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati)

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Classic Italian holiday cookies featuring a tender dough wrapped around spiced fig and nut filling, finished with sweet glaze and sprinkles.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:09:09 GMT
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A plate of sweet pastries with a powdered sugar topping and a colorful filling, one cut in half to reveal its interior. Pin it
A plate of sweet pastries with a powdered sugar topping and a colorful filling, one cut in half to reveal its interior. | cookingwithcasey.com

Every holiday season my kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of these Italian Fig Cookies. Cucidati have been part of my family's traditions for generations. The way the buttery dough wraps around that spiced fig filling creates pure magic.

What Makes These Special

These cookies hold so much history and love in each bite. The blend of sweet figs warm spices and buttery dough creates something truly unique. They're perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings.

Let's Gather Everything

  • For the Dough: Flour butter sugar eggs and that lovely orange zest make it special.
  • For the Filling: Figs raisins walnuts honey and warm spices create magic.
  • For the Glaze: Simple powdered sugar milk and festive sprinkles.

Let's Start Baking

Make the dough:
Mix dry ingredients cream butter sugar add eggs orange magic.
Create filling:
Blend those fruits nuts honey and spices until perfect.
Shape with love:
Roll fill fold seal cut into treasures.
Bake until golden:
Watch them transform in the oven.
Add sparkle:
Glaze and sprinkle make them shine.
A close-up of round cookies dusted with powdered sugar, featuring a rich fruit filling, with one cookie cut in half to reveal its interior. Pin it
A close-up of round cookies dusted with powdered sugar, featuring a rich fruit filling, with one cookie cut in half to reveal its interior. | cookingwithcasey.com

My Best Tips

Keep that dough chilled it makes everything easier. Blend filling until smooth no surprises. Seal edges well for perfect bites. Mix up fruits and nuts make them your own.

Common Questions

Fresh figs work just adjust honey. They keep well in airtight containers. Skip glaze if you like. Gluten free flour works fine. Try different nuts for variety.

A Taste of Tradition

These cookies bring generations together. Each bite holds memories of Italian kitchens and family love. Share them with those you cherish create your own sweet traditions.

A plate of powdered sugar-coated cookies with fruit-filled centers, one cookie cut in half to reveal its jam filling. Pin it
A plate of powdered sugar-coated cookies with fruit-filled centers, one cookie cut in half to reveal its jam filling. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why chill the dough?
Chilling makes the dough firmer and easier to handle. It prevents sticking when rolling and helps cookies hold their shape while baking.
→ Can I make these ahead?
Prepare dough and filling up to 2 days ahead, store separately in fridge. Baked cookies keep 5 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated.
→ What if my figs are too dry?
Soak very dry figs in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before using. This helps them blend better in the filling.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Freeze unglazed cookies up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding glaze and sprinkles.
→ Why is my glaze too thick or thin?
Adjust consistency by adding milk or powdered sugar gradually. Glaze should be thick enough to coat cookies but thin enough to drizzle.

Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati)

Traditional Italian cookies with a rich filling of figs, raisins, and walnuts, spiced with warm holiday flavors and topped with sweet glaze.

Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 36 Servings (36 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
03 1/4 teaspoon salt.
04 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
05 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
06 2 large eggs.
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
08 1 orange, zested.
09 1 1/2 cups dried figs, stems removed.
10 1/2 cup raisins.
11 1/2 cup walnuts.
12 1/2 cup honey.
13 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
14 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
15 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
16 1 lemon, zested.
17 1 cup powdered sugar.
18 3 tablespoons milk.
19 Sprinkles for decoration.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix flour, baking powder, salt. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, vanilla, orange zest. Combine with flour mixture.

Step 02

Split dough in two, wrap and refrigerate 1 hour.

Step 03

Process figs, raisins, nuts until chopped. Add honey and spices.

Step 04

Roll dough, spread filling, fold over and seal. Cut into pieces.

Step 05

Cook at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Step 06

Mix glaze, drizzle over cooled cookies. Add sprinkles.

Notes

  1. Dough must be chilled to handle properly.
  2. Can adjust spices to taste.
  3. Keeps 5 days at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.
  • Tree nuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 110
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: 1 g