Maltese Figolli
Traditional Maltese Easter cookies filled with almond paste and decorated with icing or chocolate, often shaped into figures.
🧂 Ingredients
- 550 g All-purpose flour
- 225 g Cold butter(cubed)
- 150 g Caster sugar
- 1 Lemon zest
- 1 Orange zest
- 60 ml Orange juice
- 3 large Egg yolks
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 300 g Ground almonds
- 300 g Icing sugar(for filling)
- 3 large Egg whites(for filling)
- 1 tsp Almond extract(optional)
- Royal icing or melted chocolate(for decorating)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and cubed butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add caster sugar, lemon zest, orange zest, orange juice, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- 2
For the almond filling: In a separate bowl, combine ground almonds, icing sugar, egg whites, and almond extract (if using). Mix until a firm paste forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- 3
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 4
Divide the dough in half. Roll out one half on a lightly floured surface to about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes (traditionally figures like fish, rabbits, or hearts).
- 5
Roll out the second half of the dough. Place a generous layer of almond filling onto half of the cut-out dough shapes. Top with corresponding shapes from the second dough layer, pressing the edges to seal.
- 6
Place the figolli on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- 7
Let the figolli cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with royal icing or melted chocolate.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the dough and filling are well-chilled for easier handling.
- ✓Don't roll the dough too thin, as it might break.
- ✓Traditional figolli are often decorated with a hard-boiled egg in the center.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use a mix of almonds and hazelnuts for the filling.
- Decorate with colored sugar sprinkles or edible glitter.