In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter, cream cheese and vanilla. Turn the mixer to medium-low and mix until everything comes together, but the butter is still pea sized, about 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl using a spatula.
Add the flour, cardamom and salt. Turn the mixer to low; mix until just combined.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round disk, about 1-inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
Make the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat.
Make the egg wash: in a small mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and cream. Set aside.
Remove a disk of dough from the fridge and place on a lightly floured work surface. Roll the dough to a round that’s 1/4-inch thick. Cut out a 12-inch circle.
Spread half of the fig jam evenly over the round, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the jam, followed by scattering 1/2 cup of the walnuts evenly over the jam and cinnamon spread. Using your palm, gently press the walnuts into the filling. Using a pizza wheel cut the round into 16 equal wedges. Starting at the outside edge, gently roll up each wedge to create a crescent shape. Place the rolled cookies 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining disk of dough and filling.
Lightly brush the cookies with the egg wash using the pastry brush. Sprinkle the cookies with the sparkling sugar.
Bake the cookies for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Switch the baking sheets between racks and rotate the pans from front to back halfway through the baking.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes on the pans before transferring the cookies to a baking rack to cool completely.