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1
In a small bowl, combine the chopped figs and the brandy for the filling. Set aside to soak for a few hours.
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2
Make the pastry dough: Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside. In a large bowl, using handheld beaters (or a stand mixer) set on medium-high speed, beat the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy, at least three minutes. Beat in orange zest. Next, in a small bowl, lightly beat the egg, then add the milk and vanilla. Blend well. Gradually add egg mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with (and ending with) the flour. Do as much as possible with the beaters or mixer; at the end, you may need to use a wooden spoon or knead briefly with your hands. The dough will be fairly moist and sticky. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and place in the freezer for an hour.
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3
Preheat the oven to 375, with a rack positioned in the center of the oven.
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4
Finish the filling: Drain off any excess brandy from the figs. To the figs add the walnuts, chocolate, orange zest, and honey. Combine well.
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5
Fill and bake cookies: Work with half the dough at a time; keep the half you are not using in the refrigerator. Place the dough on a well-floured surface, and cover the top of the dough with flour as well. Roll out the dough to a thickness of approximately 1/8-inch, lifting and flipping it over occasionally to prevent sticking. Using a 3-inch cookie cutter or inverted glass, cut out pastry circles and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Reroll and cut scraps until dough is used up. In the center of each round, place about a half-teaspoon of the filling. The cookies should be well filled, but make sure to leave room around the edges of each circle. Dipping your fingers in water, lightly moisten the edges of each circle and fold one half over the filling to form a semicircular pocket. Use a fork to crimp closed the edges. Bake for 10-15 minutes, removing from oven when the edges are just turning golden. Transfer cookies to cooling racks and sift a generous amount of confectioner's sugar over them. Repeat the process with the reserved dough from the refrigerator.
