Homemade Fig Newtons Delight
Indulge in the homemade decadence of our Fig Newtons Delight cookies, where the sweet and slightly tart flavor of figs takes center stage. Unlike store-bought varieties, these cookies are crafted from scratch, ensuring freshness and the absence of preservatives. The delightful combination of buttery dough and rich fig filling makes them a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it's an afternoon snack or a dessert after dinner. With the addition of orange juice and zest, each bite bursts with citrusy brightness that elevates the fig filling, making these cookies truly unforgettable.
N/A
Servings
92
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
figs
1 cup (stemmed and quartered (black Mission, Turkish, or Calimyrna))
water
1 cup
orange juice
1 cup
unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
sea salt
1/4 teaspoon
unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (room temperature)
brown sugar
3/4 cup
large egg
1
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
orange zest
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the quartered figs, water, and orange juice. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook for approximately 30 minutes until figs become tender, and the liquid has almost evaporated.
2
Carefully transfer the cooked fig mixture to the bowl of a food processor. Process until a smooth paste forms, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. Once blended, transfer the fig paste to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
3
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly combined.
4
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the room temperature butter and brown sugar. Using the paddle attachment, mix on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and well-combined. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing for about 30 seconds or until fully incorporated.
5
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients at low speed. Process until the dough comes together, which should take about 1 minute. Once formed, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into three equal portions, shaping them into balls. Place the balls in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to chill.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
7
Once the dough has chilled, work with one ball at a time. On a sheet of parchment paper, form the dough into a small rectangle. Cover with another sheet of parchment and roll out to approximately 5 inches wide, 12 inches long, and slightly less than 1/4 inch thick.
8
Scoop 1/3 of the cooled fig paste into the center of the flattened dough. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring to leave a small border around the edges.
9
Using the parchment paper, carefully fold one side of the dough over the fig paste, then repeat with the other side. Gently trim the ends of the log for a neater appearance, then slice the log into even pieces to create the cookies.
10
Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown on the bottom. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
14.6g
Carbs
1g
Protein
1.9g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Fig Newtons Delight?
It is a homemade version of the classic cookie featuring a buttery dough and a rich, citrus-infused fig filling without preservatives.
Which types of figs are best for this recipe?
You can use black Mission, Turkish, or Calimyrna figs for the filling.
How is the fig filling prepared?
Simmer quartered figs with water and orange juice for 30 minutes, then process into a smooth paste and cool to room temperature.
Are these cookies preservative-free?
Yes, these cookies are crafted from scratch, ensuring freshness and the absence of any preservatives.
What is the role of orange juice in this recipe?
Orange juice is used to simmer the figs, providing a bright, citrusy flavor that elevates the filling.
How long should the figs simmer?
The figs should simmer for approximately 30 minutes until they become tender.
What liquid level is desired after simmering the figs?
The mixture should be cooked until the liquid has almost entirely evaporated.
How do I turn the cooked figs into a paste?
Transfer the cooked mixture to a food processor and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.
What type of flour is recommended for the dough?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour.
What kind of butter should be used?
Use 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter at room temperature for the dough.
How should the butter and sugar be mixed?
Cream the butter and brown sugar on medium speed in a stand mixer using a paddle attachment until the mixture is creamy.
When is the orange zest added to the dough?
The orange zest is added along with the egg and vanilla extract after the butter and sugar are creamed.
How long should the dough be chilled?
The dough should be refrigerated for at least 15 minutes before you begin rolling it out.
Into how many portions should the dough be divided?
Divide the dough into three equal portions and shape them into balls before chilling.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How should the baking sheet be prepared?
Line a large baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What are the recommended dimensions for the rolled-out dough?
Roll each dough ball into a rectangle approximately 5 inches wide and 12 inches long.
How thick should the dough be rolled?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of slightly less than 1/4 inch.
How much filling goes into each dough portion?
Scoop exactly 1/3 of the cooled fig paste into the center of each flattened dough rectangle.
How do I fold the dough over the fig paste?
Use the parchment paper to carefully fold one side over the paste, then repeat with the other side.
Should the ends of the dough logs be trimmed?
Yes, gently trim the ends for a neater appearance before slicing the log into individual cookies.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
The cookies should bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are ready once the bottoms have turned a golden brown color.
Where should the cookies cool after baking?
Remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How many calories are in a serving of these cookies?
Each serving contains approximately 92 calories.
What is the fat content per cookie?
Each cookie contains about 3.3 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content for one serving?
There are 14.6 grams of carbohydrates in each cookie.
How much fiber is in each cookie?
Each cookie provides approximately 1.9 grams of dietary fiber.
How much protein does one cookie provide?
There is 1 gram of protein in each serving.
What makes these cookies unforgettable?
The unique combination of a buttery, handmade dough and a rich filling brightened by orange juice and zest makes them stand out.