Cuccidati - Sicilian cookies for Christmas
Cuccidati – Sicilian Cookies for Christmas If you're looking for a quick and simple dessert recipe that brings a touch of magic to your Christmas celebrations, then Sicilian Cuccidati cookies are the perfect choice. These cookies filled with figs, raisins, and nuts are a tradition in Sicily, and every housewife has her own recipe, but today I will share a delicious and easy-to-make version with you. Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking time: 15 minutes Total time: 1 hour Number of servings: 12 cookies Ingredients for the dough: - 500 g flour - 150 g sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 large pinch of salt - 220 g soft butter - 4 eggs Ingredients for the filling: - 350 g dried figs, chopped into small pieces - 50 g raisins - 50 g almonds or other nuts, chopped into large pieces - 1 teaspoon grated orange zest - 85 g chocolate, chopped small - 3 tablespoons apricot/orange jam or other preferred jam - 3 tablespoons rum - Vanilla essence - Optional: ground cinnamon or other spices, candied fruits Ingredients for brushing: - 1 egg - 1 pinch of salt Preparation: 1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the soft butter with the sugar until you obtain a smooth and creamy mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy dough. 2. Adding dry ingredients: Incorporate the salt and baking powder, mixing gently. Then, gradually add the sifted flour until a softer dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. 3. Refrigeration: Place the dough on a floured surface and form a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. This step will help firm up the dough, making it easier to handle. 4. Preparing the filling: In a food processor, combine the dried figs, raisins, nuts, orange zest, chocolate, jam, rum, and vanilla essence. Blend until you obtain a smooth paste, but don't worry if some larger pieces remain. If you prefer, you can chop all the ingredients manually. 5. Shaping the cookies: Beat the egg with a pinch of salt. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and knead it a little on a floured surface until it becomes more pliable. Divide the dough into 10-12 balls. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a rectangle of about 7 cm x 25 cm. Brush one long side with the beaten egg. 6. Adding the filling: On the other long side, place the filling, spreading it evenly. Roll the dough so that the filling stays inside. Cut the roll into pieces of about 5-6 cm and score each cookie twice or make an X pattern. 7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them with the beaten egg, and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden. Be careful not to burn them, as the cookies can brown quickly. 8. Cooling and serving: Let the cookies cool on a cooling rack. These Cuccidati cookies are delicious served cold, but you can share them with your loved ones, offering a touch of Sicilian flavor in every bite. Interesting variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts or add spices like cinnamon or ginger for a more exotic taste. Also, the jam can be replaced with other flavors, such as raspberry or cherry jam. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a Sicilian tradition that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones this festive season!
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