Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati)
Valentine Italian Fig Cookies, or cuccidati as they’re fondly known, are a delightful treat that wonderfully blends rich flavors and textures in every bite. These cookies have a tender, buttery crust that encases a sweet filling bursting with dried figs, roasted almonds, chocolate, and candied orange peel. When served, they make for a perfect sweet addition to celebrations, especially around Valentine’s Day, evoking warmth and nostalgia.
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The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their flavor but also in their elegance and charm. Whether you’re preparing them for a romantic evening or a gathering with family and friends, these cookies are bound to impress with their distinctive appearance and delicious taste. They remind me of my childhood, when my grandmother would spend afternoons preparing these treats, filling our home with irresistible aromas. With their delightful crunchy topping and the soft, flavorful surprise within, they stand out among typical cookies and offer a unique twist that everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Make these cookies in just about two hours, perfect for any busy schedule.
- Irresistible Flavor: The filling combines sweet figs with rich chocolate and crunchy nuts for a decadent, mouth-watering experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The cookies are beautifully drizzled with icing and enhanced with colorful sprinkles, making them as fun to look at as they are to eat.
- Flexible Serving: These cookies fit any occasion—from a cozy snack at home to a spectacular dish at a party or gathering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap ingredients to create gluten-free versions by using the right flour and ensuring other ingredients are GF certified.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your buttery shortcrust; opt for a high-quality brand for the best results.
- ½ cup + 1 Tbsp unsalted butter: This adds richness and the desirable flaky texture. Ensure it is cold for the dough.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: For sweetness in the dough; using powdered sugar keeps the texture light and tender.
- 1 medium-sized egg: Binds the dough together. Ideally, use a room-temperature egg for better incorporation.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the dough’s flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for best results.
- 2 cups soft dried figs: These are the star of your cookie filling, offering natural sweetness and chewiness.
- 1 cup roasted almonds: They add crunch and nuttiness; roast them yourself for extra flavor.
- (5 oz) dark chocolate bar or chips: Use 70% or 85% cocoa for a rich, bittersweet contrast to the sweetness of the figs.
- (4 oz) candied orange peel: For a burst of citrus flavor that complements the figs beautifully.
- (4 oz) honey: Helps bind the filling while providing natural sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and a comforting aroma to your filling.
- 1 small orange zest (approx 1 tbsp): Contributes vibrant flavor and freshness.
- 1 pasteurized egg white (from a large egg), at room temperature: This will help glue the icing to the cookies.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (icing sugar if you’re in the UK): For the icing on top, ensuring a sweet finish.
- ½ tsp lemon juice: Offers acidity that balances the sweetness of the icing.
- Colored sprinkles: Perfect for decoration—add a festive touch to your lovely cookies.
How to Make Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati)
Prepare the Dough: Start by following the recipe to make the shortcrust pastry dough. Once mixed, cover it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or treat yourself by allowing it to chill for up to 2 days.
Roast the Almonds: Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C) and spread the almonds onto a baking tray. Roast them for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Process the Figs: Trim off the hard stems of the soft dried figs, then, using a food processor, chop them until you achieve a chunky mixture; remember not to turn them into a puree! Transfer the chopped figs to a large mixing bowl.
Chop the Chocolate and Nuts: With a sharp chef’s knife, roughly chop the dark chocolate and roasted almonds. If you prefer, you can also use your food processor for this, pulsing them a few times. Add these finely chopped bits to the fig mixture in the bowl.
Combine the Filling: Now, add the remaining filling ingredients: candied orange peel, honey, cinnamon, and orange zest. With clean hands, mix everything until well combined, creating a luscious filling that’s full of flavor. Set this aside while you move on to the dough.
Preheat the Oven: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Divide the Dough: Taking your chilled pastry dough, cut it into 4 equal pieces. To make it easier to handle, you may want to cut them lengthwise so they form long strips. Start with just one piece, keeping the rest refrigerated until needed.
Roll Out the Dough: Dust your work surface with a bit of flour and roll out your piece of dough into a rectangle about 11×5 inches (30×14 cm). Try to get it evenly thin for even baking.
Fill the Pastry: Moisten your hands and shape some of the fig filling into a long log. Place this log directly in the center of your rolled-out pastry. Gently fold each side of the pastry over the filling, sealing it with your fingers. Ensure the seam is underneath when you flip it over.
Cut into Cookies: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 10 individual cookies. Since you’ll need to repeat this for the remaining three pieces of dough, expect about 40 cookies total. Arrange your sliced cookies on the lined baking sheets.
Bake: Place the cookies into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and allow to cool on a rack as the aroma fills your home.
Prepare the Icing: Using an electric mixer, beat the pasteurized egg whites in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and lemon juice, continuing to beat for about 3-4 minutes until you reach a thick consistency. It should be used immediately while fresh.
Ice the Cookies: Drizzle the beautifully baked cookies with the icing, or for a different look, dip the tops into the icing for a more substantial coating.
Decorate: While the icing is still wet, add colorful sprinkles for a fun, festive touch. Allow the cookies to rest on a wire rack until the icing dries completely.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Valentine Italian Fig Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ensuring they’re in a well-sealed container to avoid drying out. You can also freeze these cookies for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature and refresh the texture by briefly warming them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-8 minutes.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overprocessing the fig filling; you want that delicious texture!
- Ensure your butter is cold when making the dough for that ideal flaky crust.
- If your dough is too soft to roll out, refrigerate it for another 30 minutes before attempting again.
- When chopping chocolate and almonds, aim for a variety of sizes to get a balanced texture in each bite.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to your filling.
- Feel free to experiment by incorporating other dried fruits or nuts based on your preference.
These Valentine Italian Fig Cookies beckon you to savor a beloved tradition filled with wonderful flavors. They’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. So go ahead, get your hands in the dough, and enjoy the delicious results!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different nuts for the filling?
Absolutely! While almonds are traditional, you can substitute pecans or walnuts if you prefer. Just remember to toast them for an enhanced flavor before mixing them into your filling.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for a light golden color along the edges of the cookies. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so it’s best to take them out just before they turn too dark.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling a day or two in advance. Just keep them stored separately in your refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake them.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough seems too dry and crumbly, it may need a bit more moisture. Try adding a teaspoon of cold water or an extra egg yolk to help bring it together. Just be cautious not to overdo it!
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📖 Recipe Card
Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati)
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 95 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati) bring together the rich flavors of figs, roasted almonds, and dark chocolate, making for a delightful treat that is simple to prepare. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on a cozy evening, these cookies are a must-have for homemade dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (9oz/250 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup + 1 Tbsp (4oz/125 grams) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (3oz/80 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 medium-sized egg
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (340 grams) soft dried figs
- 1 cup (150 grams) roasted almonds
- (5oz/150 grams) dark chocolate bar or chips (70% or 85% cocoa are best)
- (4oz/120 grams) candied orange peel
- (4oz/120 grams) honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 small orange zest (approx 1 tbsp)
- 1 pasteurised egg white (from a large egg), at room temperature
- 1 cup (approx 120–130 grams) powdered sugar (icing sugar if you're in the uk)
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- coloured sprinkles, to decorate
Instructions
- Prepare the shortcrust pastry dough as directed in the recipe.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 2 days before using.
Notes
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for the best results.
You can store the cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Feel free to customize decorations with different colored sprinkles for festive occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
