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Italian Fig Cookies

Italian Fig Cookies to Sweeten Your Holidays and Heart

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Italian Fig Cookies, or Cucidati, bring nostalgia and sweetness to your holidays with their rich flavors and chewy texture.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
  • 1 teaspoon Salt No direct substitutes needed
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensure it’s fresh for maximum effectiveness
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar White sugar can be used in a pinch
  • 2 large Eggs Can substitute with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option
For the Filling
  • 1 cup Dried Figs May substitute with dried dates or apricots
  • 1 cup Raisins Can be substituted with other dried fruits like cranberries
  • 1 cup Walnuts Substitute with almonds, pecans, or omit for nut-free
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Adjust quantities to personal taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg Adjust quantities to personal taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cloves Adjust quantities to personal taste
  • 1/3 cup Honey Maple syrup can be a vegan substitute
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Can use coconut sugar for a different flavor profile
  • 2 tablespoons Milk Any non-dairy milk can be used

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • saucepan
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in softened unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in brown sugar and eggs until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Make the Filling
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped dried figs, raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, honey, and a splash of water. Stir and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the mixture forms a thick paste. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
Assemble Cookies
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into squares, place a spoonful of filling in each square, and fold the dough over to enclose it.
Bake
  1. Transfer the assembled Italian Fig Cookies to the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Glaze
  1. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack. Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle over each cookie once cooled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Chill the dough and filling for best results. Ensure to seal edges well when assembling the cookies to avoid leaking during baking.

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