Christmas Recipes: Italian Cookies CUCCIDDATI

If you’re looking to add a touch of Italian tradition to your holiday celebrations, look no further than CUCCIDDATI, the delightful Italian Christmas cookies. These cookies are not only delicious but also a labor of love, often made with family and friends during the festive season. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create these mouthwatering treats.

Gathering the Ingredients

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

• 9 oz. (250g) dried Turkish figs
• 1/8 cup (20g) raisins
• 9 tbsp (130g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (130g) powdered sugar
• Orange zest, to taste
• 1 large egg
• 2 1/4 cups (270g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• Salt
• 1/2 cup (60g) crushed almonds
• 1/2 cup (60g) crushed walnuts
• 3 tbsp orange or apricot marmalade, plus extra for topping
• 1/4 cup (50g) candied fruit
• 3.5 oz. (100g) dark chocolate, shaved
• 3 tsp marsala wine
• Cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Fresh black pepper
• Crushed pistachio nuts for topping

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s start creating these delightful Italian Christmas cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a food processor, combine the dried figs and raisins. Pulse until they are finely chopped.
   • In a mixing bowl, add the chopped figs and raisins, crushed almonds, crushed walnuts, candied fruit, shaved dark chocolate, and Marsala wine. Mix well to form a thick, sticky filling. Set this aside.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the orange zest and egg, then mix until well combined.
   • Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and black pepper. Mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, you can add a bit of water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
   • Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Cookies:
   • Take one disc of the chilled cookie dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.
   • Cut the rolled dough into rectangles or squares, approximately 3×4 inches in size.
   • Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of each dough piece.
   • Fold one side of the dough over the filling to create a pocket, then press the edges to seal. Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake and Glaze:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden.
   • While the cookies are baking, warm the orange or apricot marmalade in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes thin and spreadable.
   • Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the tops with the warmed marmalade.
5. Final Touch:
   • Sprinkle crushed pistachio nuts over the glazed cookies for a festive finish.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack until the glaze sets.
   • Once completely cooled, your Cuccidati Italian Christmas Cookies are ready to enjoy. Serve them on a festive platter and savor the sweet flavors of the holiday season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make CUCCIDDATI cookies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can! CUCCIDDATI cookies can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Q: What is the significance of CUCCIDDATI cookies in Italian Christmas traditions? A: CUCCIDDATI cookies are often served during the Christmas season in Sicily, Italy. They are considered a symbol of good luck and are shared with loved ones.

Q: Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe? A: While it’s best to stick to the traditional ingredients, you can experiment with substitutes for dietary restrictions or preferences. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor.

Q: How should I store leftover CUCCIDDATI cookies? A: To keep them fresh, store CUCCIDDATI cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week.

Q: Can I freeze CUCCIDDATI cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Q: Can I make these cookies with kids? A: Absolutely! Making CUCCIDDATI cookies is a fun family activity, and kids can enjoy shaping the dough and decorating the cookies.

Creating CUCCIDDATI | Italian Christmas Cookies is not just a culinary endeavor; it’s a cherished tradition that brings joy to your holiday season. By following these simple steps, you can share the delicious taste of Italian Christmas with your loved ones. Enjoy these delightful cookies and the warmth of the holiday season!