Name: Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati)
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h 35 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate love than with a batch of homemade Italian Fig Cookies? These delightful treats, known as cuccidati, are a charming fusion of buttery pastry and rich, fruit-filled centers, perfect for sharing with family and friends. They’re not only a heartfelt gesture but also a taste of Italian tradition that brings a warm touch to any festive occasion. Trust me, once you bite into these cookies, you’ll understand why they hold a special place in my heart and the hearts of those lucky enough to indulge.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati)

Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati)

The beauty of these cookies lies in their texture and flavor profile. Each bite reveals a delightful mix of soft figs, crunchy almonds, and hints of chocolate, spiced just right with cinnamon and citrus zest. As if that weren’t delicious enough, they sparkle with a light icing that makes them a feast for the eyes, too. You might be surprised at how easy they are to make, even if you’ve never attempted baking from scratch before. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into crafting these delightful Valentine Italian Fig Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Takes just about 60 minutes to prepare, with minimal fuss.
Irresistible Flavor: A heavenly combination of figs, nuts, and chocolate creates a complex taste that’s simply mouthwatering.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Adorned with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are sure to impress anyone!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, family gatherings, or a cozy treat with coffee at breakfast.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can cater to various dietary preferences by swapping in different nuts or sweeteners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for the buttery shortcrust pastry, providing structure and tenderness.
½ cup + 1 Tbsp unsalted butter: Choose high-quality butter for richer flavor. Scale down the quantity if you desire a lighter texture.
¾ cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough, creating a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
1 medium-sized egg: Binds the dough together; ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal mixing.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s sweetness with a warm, floral note.
2 cups soft dried figs: These provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture. If unavailable, you can use prunes as a substitute.
1 cup roasted almonds: Adds crunch and nutty flavor; feel free to swap with walnuts or pecans based on preference.
5 oz dark chocolate (70% or 85% cocoa): For a deep chocolate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling.
4 oz candied orange peel: Infuses a lovely citrus note. If you can’t find candied peel, a bit of fresh zest can be used instead.
4 oz honey: Ties the filling together with its natural sweetness and sticky texture.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Gives a warm spiciness; it complements the figs perfectly.
1 small orange zest (approx 1 tbsp): Adds brightness and aromatic flair to the filling.
1 pasteurized egg white: Helps create the icing for drizzling over the cookies; using pasteurized ensures food safety.
1 cup powdered sugar (for icing): Contributes to a sweet glaze; use more or less depending on your desired consistency.
½ tsp lemon juice: Balances the sweetness in the icing, adding a refreshing touch.
Coloured sprinkles: For decoration, these make your cookies festive and fun!

How to Make Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati)

Prepare the Pastry Dough: Start by making the shortcrust pastry dough. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups all-purpose flour with ¾ cup powdered sugar. Cut in ½ cup + 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 1 medium-sized egg and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix until the dough forms. Cover it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or up to 2 days.

Roast the Almonds: Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C). Spread 1 cup roasted almonds on a baking tray, and roast for about 8-10 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool, then set aside.

Prepare the Fig Filling: Trim any hard stems from 2 cups of soft dried figs, and process them in a food processor until they’re finely chopped—but don’t puree them! Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Next, chop the roasted almonds and the 5 oz dark chocolate bar or chips, adding them into the bowl with the figs.

Mix the Filling: Add 4 oz of candied orange peel, 4 oz of honey, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the fig mixture. Incorporate the zest of 1 small orange, and mix everything thoroughly with your hands until it’s well combined. Set aside the filling mixture for a moment.

Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take the chilled pastry dough out of the fridge and divide it into four equal pieces. Dust your work surface with flour, rolling one piece into a rectangle measuring approximately 11×5 inches (30x14cm).

Using moistened hands, form a long log of the fig filling and place it in the center of the pastry rectangle. Fold the sides over the filling, sealing them gently with pressure. Flip the log over so that the seam is facing down, then cut the log into 10 individual cookies. Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough and filling until you’ve made about 40 cookies.

Bake the Cookies: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden. Once they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack.

Prepare the Icing: In a medium bowl, beat 1 pasteurized egg white with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, beating for about 3-4 minutes until thick and glossy.

Decorate: Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies or dip the tops into the icing for a nice coating. Immediately sprinkle with colored sprinkles, letting them sit on a wire rack until the icing is dry.

Storing & Reheating

Keep your Valentine Italian Fig Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-lasting freshness, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. You can also freeze these cookies for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. Note that while the flavor will still shine, the texture may soften a bit after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overworking the pastry dough to keep it tender; just mix until combined.
Make sure all your filled cookies are sealed well to prevent leaking during baking.
Feel free to customize the filling by adding spices like nutmeg or cloves for a personal touch.
Egg whites work best when they’re fresh and at room temperature; it helps them whip up fluffier for the icing.
Make ahead! You can prepare the dough or filling a few days in advance for easy assembly whenever you’re ready to bake.

These delightful Valentine Italian Fig Cookies bring warmth and sweetness to any celebration. With their inviting appearance and comforting flavors, they’re truly a treat worth making. Play around with the filling ingredients if you find inspiration strikes, and let your baking creativity shine. As you share these cookies with loved ones or simply savor a quiet moment with one and a cup of coffee, know that you’re indulging in a little slice of Italian heritage. Enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?

Using fresh figs in this recipe is not recommended because they contain much more moisture than dried figs. This could affect the texture and baking time of the cookies. If you want to experiment, you could try using dried fruit like prunes or dates as an alternative.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets, substitute the all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your other ingredients, such as baking powder or any spices, are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days or frozen for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling it out.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you’re freezing, wrap them individually in plastic wrap to maintain their texture and flavor.