Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks/227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1 pound (454g) dried figs, stems removed and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup (50g) raisins
- 1/4 cup (25g) dried currants
- 1/2 cup (50g) walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup (25g) almonds, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup (25g) candied orange peel, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (25g) candied citron, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
- 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons rum or brandy (optional)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or water
- Sprinkles or nonpareils for decorating
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a dough forms. Wrap and chill.
- Make the Filling: Combine figs, raisins, currants, nuts, candied citrus, orange juice, honey, zests, and spices in a saucepan. Simmer until softened and thickened. Add rum/brandy (optional). Cool completely.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide dough into portions. Roll out each portion into a rectangle. Spread filling evenly over the dough. Roll up tightly into a log.
- Shape and Bake: Cut the log into 1-inch slices. Place cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake until golden brown.
- Cool and Glaze (Optional): Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk/water to make a glaze. Drizzle glaze over cookies and sprinkle with nonpareils.