Delicious Figolli: Maltese Easter Cookies with Almond Filling

Figolli, the iconic Maltese Easter cookies, are a delightful treat often shaped into various festive forms, such as hearts, crosses, or animals. These cookies are typically filled with almond paste, offering a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein from the almonds. The icing provides a burst of sugar and color, making them visually appealing, but it also adds to the calorie and sugar content, which should be enjoyed in moderation. While rich in flavor, Figolli is best consumed as a special Easter treat, providing a fun and delicious way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup almond paste
• 1 tbsp orange blossom water (optional)
• ½ cup colorful icing (for decoration)

Healthier Ingredient Alternatives

For those who are looking for healthier alternatives or following a plant-based diet, you can substitute some ingredients in the Figolli recipe. Here are some suggestions:

• Butter: You can replace butter with plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter or coconut oil. These alternatives will give the cookies a similar texture while making them dairy-free and suitable for vegan diets.
• Sugar: If you prefer to reduce your refined sugar intake, consider using brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup. These alternatives provide a slightly richer flavor and may offer some additional nutrients compared to refined sugar.
• Almond Paste: For those who are allergic to nuts or prefer a different flavor, you can replace almond paste with hazelnut paste or sunflower seed butter. While this will change the flavor slightly, it will still maintain the richness of the filling.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the correct temperature before baking your Figolli, allowing for even cooking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-incorporated. This step is crucial as it helps create a smooth texture for your dough.
3. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Add 2 large eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to add a lovely aroma and flavor to your dough.
4. Add the Flour: Gradually sift in 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. Mix it into the wet ingredients, little by little, until the dough starts to come together. Use a spatula or your hands to finish mixing if needed. The dough should be smooth and slightly firm, without being too sticky.
5. Shape the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Take a portion of the dough and roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. Use your desired cookie cutters (such as hearts, crosses, or any festive shapes) to cut out the dough into fun forms. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can also shape them by hand.
6. Add Almond Paste Filling: Once you have your dough shapes, take a small dollop of almond paste (about 1 teaspoon) and place it in the center of each cookie shape. Be sure to leave enough room around the edges to seal the dough.
7. Seal and Bake: Carefully place another shaped piece of dough over the almond paste filling and press the edges gently to seal. This helps to lock in the almond paste filling while baking. Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
8. Cool and Decorate: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This is important because it prevents the icing from melting when applied. Once the cookies have cooled, use colorful icing to decorate them in your desired patterns. You can pipe designs, create fun shapes, or simply cover them in colorful swirls.
9. Let the Icing Set: After decorating, let the icing set for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to ensure it hardens and doesn’t smudge. Once the icing is set, your Figolli cookies are ready to be served.

Preparing and Storing Figolli in Advance

Figolli are best enjoyed fresh, but if you're planning ahead for Easter, you can prepare them in advance. Here are some tips:

• Make the Dough Early: The dough can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
• Freezing Figolli: If you'd like to store them for a longer period, you can freeze Figolli. After baking and cooling, store the cookies in an airtight container or zip-lock bags. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you're ready to serve, just thaw them at room temperature and decorate with icing.
• Decorating: It's best to decorate Figolli with icing just before serving to maintain the freshness and appearance of the colorful decorations.

Tips for Beginners

For those new to baking, here are some helpful tips for making Figolli:

• Achieving a Soft Dough: If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle a small amount of flour on your work surface and rolling pin. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time to bring it together. The dough should be soft, smooth, and easy to roll out.
• Decorating Creatively: Use colorful icing to create fun designs. Try using piping bags for more detailed patterns, or let the kids join in by decorating their own Figolli. You can also use edible glitter or small sugar decorations to make the cookies more festive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of Figolli, and why is it an important part of Easter traditions in Malta?

• Figolli are a traditional Maltese Easter cookie that has been passed down through generations. They are often made in festive shapes such as hearts, crosses, and animals to celebrate the holiday. These cookies are symbolic of the joy and festivity of Easter in Malta, and sharing them with family and friends is part of the local celebration.

Can I substitute some ingredients in the Figolli recipe with healthier or plant-based options?

• Yes! As mentioned, you can replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and refined sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or maple syrup. Almond paste can also be swapped with other nut pastes or seed butters if necessary.

Can Figolli be stored? If yes, what is the best way to store them?

• Yes, Figolli can be stored. After baking and cooling, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to store them for a longer period, freezing is a great option. They can be frozen for up to two months in an airtight container.

What are the benefits of almonds in this recipe?

• Almond paste provides healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health and energy. Almonds are also a great source of fiber and vitamin E, which helps in maintaining healthy skin and reducing oxidative stress.

What are the suitable alternatives to maintain the same flavor while reducing sugar or fat content?

• To reduce sugar, you can substitute refined sugar with natural sweeteners such as coconut sugar or maple syrup. For fat reduction, using plant-based oils like coconut oil or avocado oil instead of butter will help maintain a similar texture with less saturated fat.

Can Figolli be prepared ahead of time for Easter, or should they be made the same day?

• You can prepare Figolli in advance. The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Baked Figolli can also be frozen for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to decorate them just before serving to maintain the freshness of the icing.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

2 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour (300g)

• Calories: 1100
• Carbohydrates: 220g
• Protein: 30g

Benefits: Provides a good source of energy through complex carbohydrates, though it’s low in nutrients compared to whole grains.

1 Cup Butter (227g)

• Calories: 1600
• Fat: 180g

Benefits: High in fat, it adds a rich flavor but should be consumed in moderation to avoid excess saturated fat intake.

1 Cup Sugar (200g)

• Calories: 800
• Carbohydrates: 200g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and energy but should be used sparingly to avoid high sugar intake.

2 Large Eggs (100g)

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Vitamins: Vitamin D (15% DV), Vitamin B12 (20% DV)

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins for brain function and bone health.

1 Cup Almond Paste (250g)

• Calories: 1400
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 100g

Benefits: Almond paste is rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, supporting heart health and providing energy.

1 tbsp Orange Blossom Water (15g)

• Calories: 10

Benefits: Adds a subtle floral flavor and may have calming effects, enhancing the sensory experience of the cookies.

½ Cup Colorful Icing (100g)

• Calories: 400
• Carbohydrates: 100g

Benefits: Primarily for decoration, though it adds a sweet finish to the cookies.

Nutritional Value in Detail: Pros and Cons of Ingredients

While Figolli are delicious, it's important to understand the nutritional value and the impact of some ingredients:

• Sugar: Sugar is a primary ingredient in Figolli and adds sweetness. However, excessive consumption of refined sugar can contribute to weight gain, increased risk of diabetes, and other health issues. Moderation is key.
• Butter: Butter, while adding richness to the flavor, is high in saturated fats. Consuming large amounts of saturated fats may increase cholesterol levels and heart disease risk. Opting for healthier fats like olive oil or coconut oil can help reduce these risks.
• Almond Paste: Almonds are high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making almond paste a good option for heart health. However, due to the high calorie content, it's best to enjoy Figolli in moderation.

Summary

Figolli are a festive and flavorful treat enjoyed during Easter in Malta, filled with almond paste and adorned with colorful icing. While they are rich in calories and sugar, their delicious taste and cultural significance make them a perfect holiday indulgence.