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Cucidati

Delightful Italian pastries filled with a rich, fruity filling, perfect for festive occasions.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 24 pastries
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruits figs, raisins, apricots
  • 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. In a saucepan, combine the mixed dried fruits, walnuts, honey, and orange zest. Cook over low heat until the mixture is heated through and sticky.
  7. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
  8. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares.
  9. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each square, then fold and seal the edges.
  10. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the pastries until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Notes

Chill the dough longer if it's too soft to handle easily. Experiment with different dried fruits for a unique filling.