Italian Recipe - Figgy Cookies

This is a great Italian recipe for great homemade cookies that will fill your kitchen with the great smell of fruit and take you back to your childhood. 

Ingredients

5 cups all-purpose flour 

1 cup white sugar 

1/2 teaspoon baking powder 

2 cup shortening 

4 tablespoons butter 

2 cup milk 

2 eggs, beaten 

3 cups dried figs 

1 1/4 cup raisins 

1/2 cup hot water 

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1 pinch ground black pepper 

1/2 cup nuts (optional) 

Italian Cooking

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. 
   
2. In a bowl, combine flour, 1/3 cup of the sugar and baking powder. Then combine in shortening and butter until dough looks like peas. 
   
3. Stir in milk and the egg. Wrap your dough up and refrigerate until it is easy to work. 
   
4. Coarsely chop up figs, nuts (if added to recipe), and raisins. You can use an electronic device if easier for you. 
   
5. In a bowl, place the rest of the sugar, water, cinnamon, and pepper. Combine with fruit. 
   
6. When dough is ready, roll the dough out into squares. After the dough is rolled out, cut into 3x4 inch squares. 
   
7. Take the fruit mixture and add to the small squares by teaspoons and spread down one side or diagonally. 
   
8. Roll the dough up and place on a cookie sheet seam side down. Slice the tops three times to let out air and avoid exploding. 
   
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool and then you can add frosting and your choice of decorative toppings. 
   

This great Italian recipe makes about 40 cookies.  It is great for Christmas or the Holidays in general.  Give your holiday guests an Italian treat they won't forget!  This is a warming Italian recipe for the winter months.