Figolli (Maltese Easter Almond-Filled Cakes)
In short: Large shortbread shapes sandwiching a lemony almond filling, glazed with chocolate and traditionally given to children at Maltese Easter. It takes about 1 h 30 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 1 h
- Cook
- 30 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 1 h 30 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 460 kcal
Figolli are the Maltese Easter treat: two buttery shortbread shapes, such as a lamb, fish or heart, with a lemon-scented almond filling between them. After baking they are coated in chocolate or icing and decorated, and children often get one with a small chocolate egg on top. They are made large to be shared, and a slice is rich and sweet. They keep well, so you can bake them days ahead.
Instructions
- Rub the butter into the flour with the sugar and lemon zest until crumbly. Add the egg yolks and enough cold water to bring the dough together. Wrap and chill for 1 hour.
- Mix the ground almonds, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, egg whites and orange juice into a thick, spreadable paste. Chill until needed.
- Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets. Roll the dough 4 mm (1/6 in) thick and cut out 12 shapes about 12 cm (5 in) across, in matching pairs.
- Spread about 3 tablespoons of filling on six of the shapes, leaving a 1 cm (1/2 in) border. Brush the borders with the milk and cover each with a matching shape.
- Press the edges firmly to seal, crimp with a fork and prick the tops. Chill on the trays for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until pale golden. Cool completely on the trays, because they are fragile while warm.
- Spread the melted chocolate over the cooled figolli with a spatula and decorate with sprinkles or almonds. Leave to set for about 1 hour.
Tips
- Chill the cut shapes before baking so the edges stay sharp. Any large cutter works, such as a heart, a fish or a bunny.
- Ready-made marzipan can replace the filling. Soften 400 g (14 oz) with the lemon zest and an egg white.
Questions and answers
When are figolli eaten in Malta?
At Easter. They are often given to children as gifts and topped with a small chocolate egg.
How long do figolli keep?
Baked and unglazed, they keep for about a week in an airtight tin. Add the chocolate or icing a day before serving.
Can I use another nut instead of almonds?
Ground hazelnuts or a mix of almonds and pistachios work well. Keep the same weight and the lemon zest.
How long does it take to make Figolli (Maltese Easter Almond-Filled Cakes)?
About 1 h 30 min in total: 1 h of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Figolli (Maltese Easter Almond-Filled Cakes)?
About 460 kcal per serving, with 9 g of protein, 52 g of carbohydrates and 26 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 460 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 33 g |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
