Description
Homemade Fig Newtons are a classic American dessert featuring soft fig-filled bars made with a buttery, brown sugar-infused dough. These delightful treats combine a sweet and thickened fig filling with a tender baked crust, perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Fig Filling
- 1 cup dried figs (stems removed and chopped)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the fig filling: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped figs, orange juice, and honey. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs are soft and the mixture thickens.
- Add vanilla and blend: Remove the fig mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly, then blend in a food processor until smooth to create the fig filling.
- Create the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine dough ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough: Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a rectangle approximately 4 inches wide.
- Assemble the bars: Spread a line of fig filling down the center of each dough rectangle. Fold the sides of the dough over the filling, gently sealing the seams to encase the filling.
- Bake: Place the filled dough logs seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden.
- Cool and slice: Allow the fig bars to cool completely, then slice them into bars for serving.
Notes
- For easier handling, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before rolling out.
- Store fig bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the bars for longer storage, thawing before serving.
