Italian Fig Cookies, also known as Cassatelle, are a delightful treat that encapsulate the essence of traditional Italian baking. These cookies are known for their delectable balance of flavors and textures, offering a taste that is both comforting and sophisticated.
The preparation of Cassatelle starts by creating a soft and pliable dough from a blend of flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and sugar, enhanced with vanilla and eggs. This dough forms the tender, buttery base that encapsulates the rich, sweet filling. The filling is a harmonious mixture of chopped figs, almonds, honey, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, complemented by the bright flavors of orange zest and juice.
Rolling the dough to a delicate 1/8 inch thickness ensures that each cookie has the perfect ratio of crust to filling. Precision is key as small rounds of dough are cut and filled, creating little pockets of flavor. These are folded into charming half-moon shapes and sealed meticulously to keep the luscious filling intact during baking.
The cookies are baked to a light golden perfection at 350°F (175°C), where the crisp edges contrast delightfully with the gooey, aromatic filling. A baking time of 12-15 minutes is all it takes to transform these simple ingredients into an exquisite Italian delight.
Cassatelle are typically enjoyed after they have cooled slightly on a wire rack, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully. These cookies are not only a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Italy but also a treat that embodies the warmth and ingenuity of Italian home baking. Intriguingly, their unique combination of textures and flavors makes them a favorite across generations, often evoking fond memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. These cookies are a true labor of love, capturing the heartbeat of Italian tradition and hospitality in every bite.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup dried figs, finely chopped
½ cup almonds, finely chopped
¼ cup honey
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Zest of 1 orange
1 tbsp orange juice
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined. The dough will be soft and pliable.
7. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped figs, chopped almonds, honey, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well blended.
8. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
9. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough, about 3 inches in diameter.
10. Place a teaspoon of the fig filling in the center of each dough circle.
11. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal.
12. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
14. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.