Fig Cookies

Figs, citrus, and almonds, all native to Sicily, often find their way into the island's traditional Christmastime treats. Be sure to use butter, not margarine, as butter allows the dough to hold its shape better.

Fig Cookies
Prep Time:
45 mins
Chill Time:
3 hrs
Bake Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Yield:
36 cookies

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter, softened

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar

  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 egg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

  • 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 recipe Fig Filling

  • 1 recipe Lemon Glaze or powdered sugar

Fig Filling

  • 1 cup dried figs, stems removed, chopped

  • cup raisins, finely chopped

  • ½ cup orange juice

  • cup diced candied fruits and peels, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • cup blanched almonds, finely chopped

Lemon Glaze

  • 2 cup sifted confectioners sugar

  • 2 tablespoon milk

  • 2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and baking soda. Beat until combined, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover; chill about 3 hours or until dough is easy to handle.

  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. On a floured pastry cloth, roll half of the dough into a 10x8-inch rectangle. Cut rectangle into two 10x4-inch strips. Spread one-fourth of the Fig Filling lengthwise down the middle of each strip. Using the pastry cloth, lift up one long side of each dough strip and fold it over the filling. Lift up opposite side and fold it to enclose filling; seal edges. Place filled strips, seam sides down, on parchment-lined or ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and Fig Filling.

  3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown. Immediately slice each strip diagonally into 1-inch pieces. Transfer to a wire rack; cool. Drizzle cookies with Lemon Glaze or dust with powdered sugar.

Fig Filling

  1. In a small saucepan combine figs, raisins, orange juice, candied fruits and peels, sugar, lemon peel, and cinnamon. Bring just to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes or until fruit is soft and mixture is thick, stirring occasionally. Stir in almonds. Cool to room temperature.

Lemon Glaze

  1. Beat together 2 cups sifted confectioners sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well blended and smooth.

To Store:

Layer unglazed cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

102 Calories
3g Fat
17g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Calories 102
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3g 4%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 38mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Protein 1g

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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