Homemade Fig Newtons: A Classic Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of dried figs
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup of light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the dried figs with water and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the figs are soft and the mixture has thickened. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the butter mixture and stir until well combined.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the fig mixture in the middle of the dough rectangle, leaving about an inch of dough on either side.
  6. Fold the dough over the fig filling, pressing the edges together to seal. Cut into 2-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients.
  • Saucepan - A small pan used for cooking the fig mixture.
  • Whisk - A utensil used for mixing and blending ingredients.
  • Rolling Pin - A cylindrical tool for rolling out the dough.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat, rectangular sheet used for baking the cookies.
  • Parchment Paper - A non-stick paper used to line the baking sheet.
  • Wire Rack - A rack used for cooling the baked cookies.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier twist.
  • Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a warm and cozy flavor.
  • Replace the dried figs with other dried fruits such as dates, apricots, or raisins.
  • Try using a different type of sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
  • Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the fig filling for added crunch.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Experiment with different fillings, such as a mixture of figs and other fruits, or even a fruit jam of your choice.
  • Make a vegan version by substituting the butter with coconut oil and using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg.
  • Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled Fig Newtons for a decadent touch.
  • For a savory twist, replace the fig filling with a mixture of cheese and herbs, or even a savory vegetable filling.

Recipe overview

Discover how to make your own homemade Fig Newtons with this classic recipe. These delicious, soft, and chewy cookies are filled with a sweet fig jam that's made from scratch. Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also provides a fun and satisfying baking experience. The result is a batch of cookies that offer a perfect balance of sweet fig jam and tender cookie dough. Once you've made your own Fig Newtons at home, you'll never be tempted by the store-bought variety again. Expect to enjoy the process of making these delightful treats as much as you will enjoy eating them!

Common questions

  1. Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs? No, this recipe specifically calls for dried figs. Fresh figs have a higher water content and will not yield the same results.
  2. Can I substitute the granulated sugar with a different sweetener? Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and taste of the final product.
  3. Do I have to use parchment paper to line the baking sheet? Using parchment paper is recommended to prevent the cookies from sticking, but you can also use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheet if needed.
  4. Can I refrigerate the dough before rolling it out? Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle, but it's not necessary. If the dough becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
  5. Can I freeze the Fig Newtons? Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl for combining ingredients and mixing the dough.
  • Saucepan - A small pan for cooking the fig filling.
  • Whisk - Used for whisking together the dry ingredients.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into a rectangle.
  • Baking Sheet - A sheet pan to bake the Fig Newtons.
  • Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking sheet, preventing sticking.
  • Wire Rack - A rack used to cool the cookies after baking.

Origin stories

Fig Newtons, known for their distinctive square shape and fig filling, are a beloved American cookie that traces their origins back to the 19th century. Contrary to what one might expect, they aren't named for the fig fruit, but for the town of Newton, Massachusetts. The cookie was created by a Philadelphia baker and fig lover, Charles Roser, who sold his fig cookie recipe to the Kennedy Biscuit Company. The Kennedy Biscuit Company had a tradition of naming cookies and crackers after the surrounding towns near Boston. Hence, the 'Fig Newton' was born. Interestingly, it's one of the first commercially baked products in America to be trademarked. Over the years, the 'Fig' part of the name was dropped, and now they are simply known as 'Newtons'. So, next time you enjoy this sweet treat, remember it carries a piece of American history in every bite!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.