🍪 Cucidati: A Taste of Sicilian Christmas Tradition, Sweetly Spiced and Unforgettable

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,650 fans)
📸 460+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

Oh, sweet friends, gather ’round! There are some recipes that do more than just nourish; they whisper tales of generations, warm our hearts with tradition, and fill our homes with the most enchanting aromas. Cucidati, those glorious Sicilian fig cookies, are precisely that kind of magic. Each bite is a tender embrace of delicate pastry giving way to a rich, spiced filling bursting with sweet figs, crunchy nuts, and bright citrus notes. They’re more than just a cookie; they’re a celebration, a moment of comfort, and the perfect sweet companion for holiday gatherings, a cozy afternoon tea, or simply a quiet moment of pure indulgence.

Quick Glance

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 5 dozen cookies
• 💥 Vibe: Festive, Spiced, Traditional

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Cucidati
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recipe Note

What You’ll Need

Creating these beautiful cookies is a labor of love, but the ingredients are simple, wholesome, and come together to form an unforgettable symphony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to gather from your pantry:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed (or a mix of butter and lard for a more traditional texture)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

For the Fig Filling:

• 2 cups dried figs, stems removed and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup almonds, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup honey or fig jam
• 1/4 cup Marsala wine or orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped (optional, but highly recommended!)

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Colorful sprinkles or nonpareils, for decorating (optional)

How to Make Cucidati

Let’s embark on this delicious journey together! Each step is a tender act of creation, bringing you closer to a plate full of homemade joy.

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter (or butter/lard mix) using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Wet Ingredients to Dough: In a separate small bowl, combine the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
3. Make the Fig Filling: While the dough chills, combine the chopped figs, walnuts, almonds, sugar, honey (or jam), Marsala wine (or orange juice), orange zest, lemon zest, cinnamon, cloves, and chopped dark chocolate (if using) in a medium bowl. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. The mixture should be moist and cohesive.
4. Assemble the Cookies: Divide the chilled dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough into a thin rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick and approximately 12×6 inches in size.
5. Fill and Roll: Spread one-quarter of the fig filling evenly down the center of the dough rectangle, leaving about an inch clear on each long side. Gently fold one long side of the dough over the filling, then fold the other side over to meet it, completely enclosing the filling. Pinch the seam tightly to seal, creating a log.
6. Shape and Cut: Carefully roll the log a few times to smooth it out and ensure the seam is sealed. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into individual cookies, about 1-inch thick. You can leave them as simple logs or gently curve them into C-shapes if desired. Repeat with the remaining dough portions and filling.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and cooked through. Be careful not to overbake, as they should remain tender.
9. Cool and Glaze: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a tiny bit at a time, if the glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
11. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over each cookie. Top with colorful sprinkles or nonpareils if using, while the glaze is still wet. Let the glaze set before storing.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Part of the joy of baking is making it your own! Here are a few ways to add your personal touch to these delightful cookies:

1. Nutty Variations: Feel free to experiment with other nuts in the filling! Hazelnuts or pecans would add a lovely depth of flavor. Toast them lightly before chopping for an even richer taste.
2. Boozy Boost: For an adult twist, substitute the Marsala wine with a splash of rum, brandy, or even an orange liqueur in the fig filling. It adds a wonderful complexity!
3. Citrus Explosion: Enhance the citrus notes by adding a bit of candied orange peel, finely chopped, to the fig filling. It brings a chewy texture and concentrated brightness.
4. Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Instead of a simple glaze, consider a dark chocolate drizzle over the top once the cookies are cool. A sprinkle of sea salt with the chocolate can be divine!
5. Serving Suggestions: Cucidati are absolutely perfect with a strong cup of coffee, a warm mug of tea, or a glass of chilled dessert wine. They make a stunning addition to any holiday cookie platter or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Reviews

These cookies have brought so much happiness to so many tables! Don’t just take our word for it:

“My Nonna used to make these every Christmas, and this recipe brought back all those wonderful memories. The filling is perfectly spiced, and the dough is so tender. A new family tradition for sure!” – Isabella R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I was intimidated at first, but the instructions were so clear. These Cucidati are absolutely divine! The combination of fig and citrus is just heavenly. My whole family raved about them.” – David C. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I made a batch for a holiday party, and they were the first cookies to disappear! The optional chocolate in the filling is a game-changer. So much flavor in one little cookie.” – Maya K. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you bake these beauties with confidence!

Q: Can I make Cucidati ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The cookies store beautifully. You can make the dough and chill it for up to 2 days, or prepare the filling a day in advance. Once baked, Cucidati can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: What if I don’t have Marsala wine?
A: No worries! Orange juice is an excellent non-alcoholic substitute that provides a lovely citrusy brightness to the filling.

Q: Can I use pre-made pie crust or puff pastry for the dough?
A: While you could, the homemade dough for Cucidati is truly special and contributes significantly to the cookie’s texture and traditional flavor. It’s worth the extra effort!

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
A: The key is to pinch the seam of the dough tightly after enclosing the filling. Also, ensure your filling isn’t overly wet. If it seems too loose, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or finely ground nuts to help absorb excess moisture.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about bringing a piece of culinary history into your own kitchen, and Cucidati are the perfect vehicle for that journey. Each cookie is a testament to the joy of baking, the richness of tradition, and the simple pleasure of sharing something truly delicious with those you love. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the fragrant adventure, and create these beautiful fig cookies. You’re not just baking; you’re creating memories, sharing warmth, and perhaps even starting a new beloved tradition in your own home. Happy baking, sweet friends!

Recipe Note

For the most tender Cucidati, be careful not to overbake them. They should be just lightly golden at the edges. Overbaking can lead to a dry cookie, and we want that melt-in-your-mouth experience!