Delightful Figolli Recipe: Easter Treats Done Right
Picture this: a warm and inviting kitchen, filled with the smells of fresh-baked cookies and the laughter of loved ones gathered around the table. This is what Easter means to my family – a time for coming together and sharing delicious food.
One of the highlights of our Easter spread is undoubtedly Figolli – traditional Maltese almond-filled cookies that have been a staple in our family for generations. These delectable treats are a beloved part of our holiday traditions, and making them is an annual ritual that we all look forward to.
Filled with almond paste and flavored with orange blossom water, Figolli are the epitome of what Easter is all about – renewal, rejuvenation, and tradition. Whether you’re a Maltese native or simply looking for a new way to celebrate the holiday, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
So join me in whisking up a batch of these delightful treats, and let’s keep the spirit of Easter alive with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s that time of year again: Easter season, a time for warmth, family and delicious treats. If you’re looking to impress your family with an unforgettable dessert, look no further than Maltese Figolli, a traditional Easter treat the whole family will love.
These almond-filled cookies are a staple in my family’s Easter celebrations, something my family makes every single year. And why do we keep coming back to them? Because they’re so delicious!
The cookie dough is perfectly crumbly, and the almond paste filling is rich and sweet without being overpowering. And when you add in the texture of the melted chocolate, it’s simply divine! Plus, the orange and lemon zest filling adds a perfect citrusy kick to balance out the sweetness.
Not only do these cookies taste incredible, they’re also incredibly versatile. You can play around with different shapes and decorations to create your own unique figolli designs – perfect for getting creative with your loved ones.
So what’s not to love? These cookies make for an amazing easter treat that will have your family begging for more. Trust me – once you make these figolli maltese, you’ll be making them every year often throughout the year because they’re just that tasty!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create these delicious Maltese Easter treats!
For the pastry:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 250g caster sugar
- 250g margarine or butter, softened
- 3 eggs and 1 extra egg yolk (keep the extra white for the filling)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- zest of 1 lemon
- zest of 1 orange
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 500g ground almonds
- 500g icing sugar
- zest of 1 lemon
- zest of 1 orange
- orange blossom water (optional)
- egg whites (use the extra white from the pastry)
For the decoration:
- chocolate, melted (optional)
- royal icing (optional)
Most of these ingredients can be found easily, but if you’re having trouble sourcing anything, try checking your local specialty grocery store or online.
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Dough
To make these traditional Maltese almond-filled Easter cookies or Figolli, start by preparing the dough. In a mixing bowl, add 500g of all-purpose flour, 250g margarine, and 200g caster sugar. Rub them together with your fingertips until it resembles bread crumbs. Then, add two beaten eggs and mix until everything comes together. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s soft and smooth.
Making the Almond Filling
In a separate bowl, combine 250g of ground almonds, 200g of caster sugar, lemon zest, orange zest, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well to form a paste-like consistency. Then, gradually add in two egg whites and mix continuously until you get an even paste mixture.
Assembling the Figolli
Preheat your oven to 170°C. Roll out half the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1 cm thick. Cut out shapes using figolli cutters or any desired shapes like Easter eggs or bunnies. Sandwich a layer of almond paste filling between two of the pastry cutouts. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Baking The Figolli
Place the shaped pastries on baking trays lined with parchment paper and bake for about twenty minutes or untill light golden brown in color. Once removed from the oven let them cool completely before decorating them.
Decorating Your Figolli
Once cooled down, you can decorate them with royal icing, chocolate chips or any decorations that you like! You can also check different Figolli decorating ideas online for some inspiration on how to garnish your pastries.
And there you have it! You now have delicious almond-filled Easter cookies that you can share with your family and friends this holiday season!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about how to make the recipe even more interesting by trying out some substitutions and variations.
First, for those who are looking for a healthier option, you may replace the white flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, and use natural sweeteners like honey or stevia instead of caster sugar. However, keep in mind that this might affect the texture and taste.
Instead of almond paste filling, you can try using other fillings like apricot jam, raspberry jam, Nutella, peanut butter, or even a savory option like cheese or ham.
For an extra flavor boost, try adding some spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice to the dough. You can also add in some dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
If you want to get creative with the shapes of your figolli, you can find various cookie cutter shapes or create your own designs to make the cookies look even more festive. Consider using egg-shaped cutters to stay true to the Easter tradition.
Finally, top the figolli with some decorative icing to add a touch of color and sweetness. You can use traditional royal icing or choose something different like chocolate drizzle or lemon zest glaze. Dusting them with some icing sugar before serving is always a good idea too.
Remember, baking is all about experimenting and trying new things so don’t hesitate to get creative with your figolli recipe!
Serving and Pairing
After all the hard work making these delectable Maltese Easter cookies, it’s time to serve and savor them. The figolli can be served on their own or with icing sugar dusted on top. Alternatively, you can give your cookies a luxurious twist by dipping them in melted chocolate then leaving them to set.
As for pairing, easter figolli goes perfectly with milk and tea. If you want to make that special impression, serve figolli alongside fresh orange juice or homemade hot chocolate to complement the cookie’s nutty flavors.
These almond-filled treats are perfect for sharing, so enjoy them with your loved ones or friends. Pop them into a decorative box and give them as gifts during Easter celebrations. Trust me; your intended recipients will appreciate and love this traditional Maltese treat!
In conclusion, any sweet-loving aficionado would agree that easter figolli is a must-have for any dessert recipes list. It’s a delightful experience that should be enjoyed often throughout the year with family and friends alike—figolli maltese easter biscuits make every moment better!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these delightful Figolli cookies, the next step is to consider how to store them for maximum freshness. You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before rolling it out and cutting the shapes. To save even more time, you can also make Figolli dough weeks in advance and freeze it until ready to use.
After baking, let the cookies cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re making your Figolli cookies ahead of time for Easter, consider making them in advance and freezing them until ready to be served. This will not only save you time but will also ensure that they are as fresh as possible.
To reheat Figolli cookies, warm them slightly by placing them in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating as this can affect the texture of the cookie or filling inside.
If you want to give your Figolli a longer shelf-life or need to send them abroad as gifts, you can glaze them with royal icing or dust with icing sugar once baked and cooled. This will help preserve the freshness and flavour of your cookies for longer periods.
In conclusion, make sure to store your lovely Figolli where they remain fresh and tasty for days on end by following these useful tips for maximum longevity.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking, precision is key. These tips will help you achieve perfectly baked Figolli every time.
Firstly, make sure that your dough is not too thin or too thick. The thickness should be around 5-6mm. If the dough is too thin, it will crumble while baking, and if it’s too thick, it won’t cook all the way through.
Secondly, ensure that you use chilled or frozen margarine when making your dough, as this will help to create a flaky texture. Chop the margarine into small chunks to help it soften more quickly when you rub it into the flour.
Thirdly, use quality ground almonds for the filling. Using fresh and good quality ingredients will definitely make a difference in taste.
Additionally, you can add a tablespoon of orange blossom water to enhance the flavor of the almond paste filling, giving it a slightly floral aroma.
If you are planning to decorate with royal icing or any type of icing sugar, make sure that the cookies have completely cooled before decorating, and let the icing dry completely before storing or serving.
Moreover, don’t overfill your cookies with almond paste filling. Overfilling can cause them to crack or break during baking. Be sure to leave enough room so that they don’t become overstuffed.
One of the most crucial things in making Figolli is chilling the dough before cutting out shapes. This helps to ensure that the dough holds its shape well while baking. Place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour before proceeding with cutting out shapes and filling with almond paste.
Lastly, when shaping your Figolli, try different shapes and get creative! Cookie cutters come in various sizes and shapes which can add an extra touch on your cookies presentation.
By following these simple tips, you can achieve perfect Figolla every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, I highly recommend trying this Figolli (Maltese Almond-Filled Easter Cookies) recipe. Not only is it a traditional Maltese dessert that is enjoyed every year, but it’s also a unique and delicious treat for anyone to enjoy. The almond filling and orange blossom water create a beautiful and flavorful combination that is sure to leave your taste buds satisfied.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the decorations as well, as the possibilities are endless. Whether you choose to go with traditional shapes or try out something new, your Figolli will surely impress family and friends.
Also, don’t forget that these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. They also make great gifts or treats for special occasions.
In summary, give this Figolli recipe a try and experience a taste of traditional Maltese Easter treats. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Figolli (Maltese Almond-Filled Easter Cookies) Recipe
Ingredients
Dough
- 14 ounces all-purpose flour
- 4 1/2 ounces sugar
- 4 1/2 ounces margarine
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 pinch lemon zest or 1 pinch orange zest
Filling
- 7 ounces ground almonds
- 3 1/2 ounces sugar
- 2 ounces water
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Icing
- icing sugar or chocolate
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients. Work in the margarine until the mixture is crumbly. Beat eggs with vanilla and pour into the mixture. Work the mixture until it forms a dough. Do not overwork. Wrap the dough and refrigerate for about an hour.
- Mix the filling ingredients when you are ready to use it.
- Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4" thickness. Cut the dough into the desired shape. Make two of the same shape, with one slightly larger. Place one piece on a floured baking sheet or greased glass dish if making a rectangle. Spread some of the filling on the dough, leaving a finger-width gap at the edges. Wet the edges and place the larger piece on top. Pat around the edges to ensure the pieces of dough form a seal.
- Bake at 350F for approximately 30-40 minutes depending on the size. Look for a golden bottom.
- Allow to cool completely. Make a thick icing of icing sugar and water. We add a touch of almond extract for added flavour. Another option is to melt chocolate. Cover the cookie with your choice of icing. Ice on a cooling rack with waxed paper underneath to catch drippings. Allow to harden. If you feel creative, you can decorate the shape with coloured icing, candy decorations, etc.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.