Italian Fig Cookies (Cucidati)

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup

unsalted butter (room temperature)

1/4 cup

granulated sugar

1/4 cup

packed (light brown sugar)

1/4 tsp

baking soda

large egg

1 tsp

pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp

salt

1 3/4 cups

unbleached all-purpose flour

1 cup

dried diced Calimyrna or Mission figs (stems removed (6 or 7 ounce package))

1/2 cup

chopped pitted dates (finely chopped (or substitute raisins if preferred))

1/2 cup

orange juice (fresh squeezed (about 1 orange))

1/3 cup

diced candied orange peel

2 tbsp

granulated sugar

1 tsp

lemon zest

1/4 tsp

ground cinnamon

1/3 cup

blanched almonds (chopped fine)

2 tbsp

dark spiced rum or Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)

1 cup

powdered sugar, (sifted)

to 3 teaspoons lemon juice, (just enough to make a glaze you can slowly drizzle)

Sprinkles for decoration if desired