Italian Christmas Cookies (Cuccidati)

To make the dough, process sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor. Add butter and process again. Add eggs, vanilla, and milk and process until a smooth dough forms. Shape into a disk and divide the dough into 4. Wrap in plastic wrap and put into a fridge.

For the filling, process figs, raisins, orange zest and juice, and walnuts. Transfer mixture to a bowl and add honey, rum, and ground cinnamon. Mix.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Take one part of the dough from the fridge and roll into an 8 x 8 inch square. Divide into 2 equal parts. Use cold water to moisten the bottom inch of each part. Arrange 1/4 of the filling on each piece from one end to another. Fold over and press to seal. Cut into 1-inch parts. Arrange on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.

Bake for about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

While your cookies are cooling, in a small bowl, whisk the sugar and orange juice until smooth. Dip the top of each cookie in the icing. Cover with colored sprinkles.