Sicilian Fig-Filled Cookies

This fig-filled pastry is not unlike a Fig Newton—but much better. Originally a Christmas specialty, cucidate is sometimes baked as one large pastry, or as individual cookies, with the top crust slashed to reveal the filling inside. This version is shaped very simply and cut into short individual segments.

Figs are traditional here, but you can also fill the cookies with a combination of figs and chopped dried apricots and/or dates.