Buccellati are holiday heirlooms—sweet, hand-crafted, jewel-like little parcels of magic. Baked with love at Christmas and Easter, these festive fig – and nut – filled pastries wrap tradition in golden dough. Inside, a rich, spiced blend of dried fruit, nuts and honey tells a story with every bite. Dusted with white powdered sugar, they have an elegant, festive finish. The name comes from buccella, meaning “bite”—but trust us, you’ll want more than one! They’re not just cookies—they’re invitations to gather, celebrate and share the joy.
Sicilian Fig and Dried Fruit Pastries (Buccellati)
Ingredients
- 4 cups (1 kg) all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups (250 g) sugar
- 1 cup (250 g) lard or vegetable shortening
- 3 tablespoons (50 g) fresh yeast or 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
- 12 oz (350 g) dried figs, ground or mashed
- 3.5 oz (100 g) raisins
- 3.5 oz (100 g) toasted almonds, finely chopped
- 3.5 oz (100 g) walnuts, finely chopped
- 2–4 tablespoons honey, to taste
- Ground cinnamon, cloves and vanilla to taste
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar and lard. Add the yeast and work into a smooth soft dough. Let rest for 15 minutes.
2. Roll and Cut. Roll the dough into thin sheets, then cut into 3 x 4 inch (8 x 10 cm) rectangles.
3. Make the Filling. In a small pot, combine figs, raisins, almonds, walnuts, honey, and your favorite spices. Simmer over low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring often, until thick and fragrant. Let cool until warm, not hot.
4. Fill and Roll. Shape the warm filling into 3-inch (8 cm) cylinders. Place one cylinder on each rectangle of dough and roll up. Pinch the ends to seal.
5. Bake and Finish. Arrange the cookies on a lightly greased baking tray. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly golden. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.
Grandma & Aunties’ Kitchen Wisdom:
«Before baking, you can lightly score the tops with a knife for a decorative finish—or, after baking, brush them with a sugar glaze or honey and top with colorful sprinkles»
