Description
Homemade Fig Newtons are a delicious and chewy snack featuring a sweet fig filling encased in a soft, buttery cookie dough. These classic American-style fig bars are perfect for a healthy snack or dessert and are easy to prepare with wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the fig filling:
- 1½ cups dried figs (stems removed)
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cookie dough:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice or milk
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the fig filling: Place the dried figs, water, orange juice, and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs are soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer to a food processor and blend until a thick paste forms. Chill the fig filling in the refrigerator while you prepare the dough.
- Prepare the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice (or milk) until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the fig bars: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Trim the edges to create neat sides. Spoon the chilled fig filling into a log shape down the center of the dough rectangle. Fold the dough over the filling from both sides, slightly overlapping to seal the filling inside. Carefully flip the log seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the second dough portion and fig filling.
- Bake: Bake the assembled fig bars in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the dough is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- Slice and serve: Once slightly cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the bars into individual servings. Allow the bars to cool completely before serving or storing for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Store the fig bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a chewier texture, keep the bars tightly wrapped once they have cooled.
- You can substitute orange juice with milk in the dough, though orange juice adds a subtle citrus flavor.
- Use honey or maple syrup in the filling depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
