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Maltese Figolli Cookies

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Spring is the perfect time to try new and different recipes, so I welcomed the challenge to find a new holiday cookie from somewhere exotic to make this spring. After searching I found these traditional Maltese Figolli Cookies,  which are tasty pastry filled with almond paste.

figolli cookies on racks

The cookies are made with a buttery, lemon dough that is rolled and cut into spring shapes. Before baking a small amount of almond paste is spread onto a cookie, and an identical shape is placed on top. I used purchased almond paste, but you could make it from scratch.

Making Figolli Cookies

I made the strategic error of making these the day after my daughter returned to college for spring break, and she is much better at decorating cookies than I am!

Decorating Figolli Cookies

So I tried and failed to pipe designs onto the cookies, and then I gave up and simply flooding the cookies with Royal Icing and added candy.

cookie with chocolate egg on top

It is traditional to top these Figolli Cookies from Malta with a foil wrapped Easter Egg, so I did that with some of the cookies and decorated the rest with pastel colored M&Ms and Sixlets.

Maltese Figolli Cookies decorated for Easter

I love the combination of the lemon flavored pastry with almonds, and of course the candy on top is an added bonus.

Yield: 20

Maltese Figolli Cookies

Maltese Figolli Cookies

Maltese Figolli Cookies - Traditional Easter cookie from Malta featuring lemon flavored dough with almond paste filling and chocolate Easter Eggs on top

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

Cookies

  • 1 2/3 c. flour
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • pinch salt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 Tablespoon water, or more
  • almond paste

Decorations

  • 1 1/2 Tablespoon Meringue powder
  • 2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 Tablespoon water
  • candy and foil eggs

Instructions

  1. To make the dough put the flour and butter in a food processor and pulse until crumbly.
  2. Add the sugar and salt and pulse to mix.
  3. Add the egg yolk and lemon zest and mix.
  4. Add the water, 1 Tablespoon at a time until the dough forms into a ball.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for an hour.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out Easter shapes.
  8. Put a shape on a cookie sheet, then cut some almond paste and place on the dough. Top with another shape.
  9. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes until lightly brown.
  10. Cool on wire racks.
  11. When the cookies are cool mix the meringue powder with the powdered sugar and water until it is of spreading consistency.
  12. Use candy to decorate the cookies.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimates.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

20

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 181Saturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 41mgCarbohydrates: 32gSugar: 16gProtein: 2g

Inspired by this recipe at malta.com.

Maltese Figolli Cookies a traditional Easter cookie

We all associate cookies with the holidays in December, but spring holidays are a great time for cookies also!

anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

9 thoughts on “Maltese Figolli Cookies”

  1. I can totally relate. My icing skills are clearly lacking and I usually resort to sprinkles! Your cookies look pretty good Anne. A+ for effort, and the flavor sounds amazing.

    Reply
  2. What cute cookies! They’re so different and love the combination of lemon and almond flavors. Of course, almond paste in anything puts it in the “I’ve got to have it” category. It’s the perfect cookie for Easter!

    Reply

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