Makes about 4 dozen
Recipe courtesy of Chef Emeril Lagasse, Emeril Live on The Food Network
Filling
Cookie dough
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Italian Fig Cookies Click image to enlarge |
In a food processor, finely chop the figs, dates, and raisins. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl, add the remaining filling ingredients and stir to combine well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Best to make the day before.
In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and whisk to combine well. Add the butter and blend with your finger tips until most of the mixture resembles coarse meal.
In another medium bowl, beat the egg, milk and vanilla extract together. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and combine to make a rough dough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Cut the dough into 4 pieces wrap each piece in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375˚F. Lightly grease 2 large baking sheets. On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough, one piece at a time into a 12-inch square. Cut the dough into 4x3-inch rectangles.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling down the center of each rectangle. Fold the long sides of each rectangle inward to the center to enclose the filling and pinch the edges together firmly to seal. Turn the cookies seam sides down and press gently to flatten the seams.
With a floured knife, cut the logs crosswise into 1 1/2-inch wide slices and arange the slices on the prepared baking sheets about 1/2-inch apart. Brush the tops with the egg wash and decorate with the colored sprinkles.
Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes, transfer to wire racks to cool and serve warm or at room temperature.