Description

Experience the nostalgia of a classic fruit bar with these oversized, homemade Strawberry Newtons featuring a thick, jammy center made from two pounds of fresh berries. Wrapped in a soft, citrus-infused dough, these treats offer a bright, buttery upgrade to the traditional store-bought snack.

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar, orange juice, and cornstarch; mash well and simmer for 35 minutes until reduced and thick.
Allow the strawberry filling to cool completely before assembling the cookies.
In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter, remaining sugar, and orange zest for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Beat in the egg whites and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and silky.
Turn the mixer to low and add the flour, mixing just until a soft dough forms; wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and roll the chilled dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Cut the dough into four 12×4 inch strips, spoon filling down the center of each, fold the edges over to seal, and slice diagonally into cookies.
Bake for 12-15 minutes on parchment-lined sheets until lightly golden, then cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

To ensure your Newtons have that iconic soft texture, store them in an airtight container for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the moisture from the jam to soften the crust. If the dough becomes too soft while rolling or folding, simply slide it back into the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up the butter. Always use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to slice the logs, which prevents the filling from squeezing out the sides.

Prep Time: 2 hours 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American