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Homemade Fig Newtons sliced to show thick jammy filling

Fig Newtons

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5 from 16 reviews

Description

Ditch the store-bought version for these monster-sized homemade fig newtons featuring a rich, buttery honey-orange dough and a thick, jammy Mission fig filling. These soft, cakey bars are finished with a unique steaming technique that ensures every bite is perfectly tender and bursting with real fruit flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cool but soft
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, divided
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 pound dried Mission figs, stemmed and halved
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

Instructions

  1. In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, honey, and orange zest on medium speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Reduce speed to low and gradually add the orange juice followed by the egg yolks one at a time, beating until smooth and golden.
  3. Add the flour and mix on low just until combined; knead the dough briefly by hand in the bowl to form a ball, flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
  4. Prepare the filling by pulsing the halved figs, applesauce, and remaining orange juice in a food processor until it forms a thick, smooth paste, then transfer to a piping bag with a half-inch tip.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F and roll the chilled dough into a 15-inch square on a floured surface, then cut into four equal strips.
  6. Pipe a one-inch wide strip of fig jam down the center of each strip, fold the dough over the filling, flip seam-side down, and bake for 18 minutes on a parchment-lined pan.
  7. Immediately cut the warm logs into one-inch pieces and place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to steam and soften for at least 6 hours before serving.

Notes

To ensure the best texture, do not skip the steaming step; placing the hot cookies in a sealed container forces the moisture back into the dough for that iconic soft crust. If your fig paste is too thick to pipe, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches a workable consistency. These cookies actually improve in flavor and texture after sitting for 24 hours, making them a perfect make-ahead snack.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 18 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cookiescharm.com/homemade-fig-newtons/