Raise your hand if your mom (or other guardians) put fig newtons in your lunch box! Making these vegan fig newtons brought me back down memory lane. That sweet fig filling wrapped in a cakey cookie for the perfect delicious chewy sweet treat. Whether you carry a lunchbox or not, these fig filled cookies are one of my favourite delights.
Now I know some of you may be asking: are figs vegan?
Some people are concerned about the fig wasp who pollinate figs by crawling up inside of the figs. Most of the wasps are able to crawl back out again, but a few may get stuck inside and die. I get it, most vegans wouldn't want to munch on a dead wasp, but I have good news for you.
- There is only one kind of fig tree that these wasps pollinate and that is the calimyrna fig. The rest of the fig trees are totally self-pollinating, and no wasps are needed.
- The most common kind of figs in grocery stores are usually the black mission figs. They are self-pollinating so you can enjoy those without worry.
- If you did decide to eat calimyrna figs, it's rare that there would be a wasp inside the fig. And even if there was, you would have no idea as the figs enzymes would have dissolved the wasp long ago, way before the fig was ripe enough to eat. (Those crunchy bits are fig seeds not wasp bits).
- The wasps pollinating the calimyrna figs are essential for both the fig tree and the fig wasp to thrive. This is a natural process of nature and is not animal cruelty. It's really no different than finding a worm in your apple, or a bug in your bag of lettuce.
So whether you believe that calimyrna figs are vegan is up to you (personally, I believe they are). Either way, all you have to do is select one of the many other varieties of figs (such as the black mission figs that I used in this recipe), and you can enjoy them knowing that the figs are totally vegan.
Now back to vegan fig newtons.
The cool thing about this recipe is that the cookies get better the next day making them a perfect make-ahead snack. When freshly baked, the cookies are a little crisp and crumbly, but the magic happens when you store them overnight. The moisture in the figs softens the cookie crust, taking these vegan fig newton from crisp to tender cakey cookie perfection!
They keep for about 1 week so you can make them on the weekend to supply your lunchbox all week long. Or if you're like me, enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning.
I admit that these fig cookies take a little bit more effort to make than a classic drop cookie, but it's worth it! The classic fig filled shape is so cute. I did my best to make each step as clear as possible to make this recipe as easy for you. So roll up your sleeves and let's make these classic treats!
To make vegan fig newtons:
For the fig filling: in a medium pot add the chopped figs and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 25 minutes until the figs are tender and there is only 2 - 3 tablespoons of liquid left in the bottom of the pan.
Add the figs and leftover liquid to a food processor along with the lemon juice. Blend to a paste, stopping to scrape the sides as needed.
For the cookie dough: use a mixer to combine the vegan butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract and mix. Then add the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix to form a dough.
Divide the dough into three even-sized balls. Cover and chill in the fridge until ready to use, minimum 10 minutes.
To shape the cookies:
When ready, place one ball of dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll a rough rectangle shape about 12" x 5". It's ok if the rectangle has messy edges like mine does.
Remove the top layer of parchment paper and spoon ⅓ of the fig paste down the center of the cookie dough in a straight line going lengthwise.
From the bottom, lift the sheet of parchment paper that's under the cookie dough to help fold the bottom edge of the cookie dough up over the fig filling. Then use the same method to fold the top edge of the cookie dough down overlapping the bottom edge so that the fig filling is wrapped completely with the dough. (See photo above for reference).
Use the parchment paper to flip the cookie roll over so the seam is on the bottom. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into cookies about 2" long.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 13 - 16 minutes until golden on the bottom. Remove from the oven and let cool on pan.
The cookies will be a little crisp when freshly made. To soften the cookies, simply store in an air-tight container for the classic cakey chewy texture.
Bon appetegan!
Sam
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Vegan Fig Newtons
Servings: cookies (approximately)
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Ingredients
For the fig filling:
- 8 ounces dried figs (8oz), stems removed and quartered
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
For the cookie dough:
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
For the fig filling:
- In a medium pot add the chopped figs and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 25 minutes until the figs are tender and there is only 2 - 3 tablespoons of liquid left in the bottom of the pan.
- Add the figs and leftover liquid to a food processor along with the lemon juice. Blend to a paste, stopping to scrape the sides as needed.
For the cookie dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Use a mixer to combine the vegan butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract and mix in. Then add the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix to form a dough.
- Divide the dough into even-sized three balls, cover and chill in the fridge until ready to use, minimum 10 minutes.
- When ready, place one ball of dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll into a long rectangle about 12" x 5". It's ok if the rectangle has messy edges.
- Remove the top layer of parchment paper and spoon ⅓ of the fig paste down the center of the cookie dough in a line going lengthwise.
- Use the bottom sheet of parchment paper to help lift and fold the bottom edge of the cookie dough up over the fig filling. Then fold the top edge of the cookie dough down overlapping the bottom edge so that the fig filling is wrapped completely with the dough.
- Use the parchment paper to flip the cookie roll over so the seam is on the bottom. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into cookies about 2″ long.Repeat these steps with the remaining cookie dough and fig filling.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 13 - 16 minutes until golden on the bottom. Remove from the oven and let cool on pan. The cookies will be a little crisp when freshly made, but store in an air-tight container overnight and they will soften to the classic cakey chewy texture. Cookies will keep for 5-7 days stored at room temperature.
Nutrition
Izzi says
I've been a fan and follower for a long time, made tons of your recipes. I did, however, have a problem with this one and don't know why. The dough was impossible to work with chilled. It was hard, dry, just crumbled and fell apart. I had to warm it to roll it out. The only thing I changed was to reduce the sugar to 1/2c, as the figs are quite sweet. Plus I had almost half the paste left over, which I'll freeze and try again -maybe not chill the dough. Otherwise, the cookies were super good.
Kate says
This is weird, I had the opposite problem! The dough for me was so incredibly sticky that it was completely stuck to the baking paper! I had to scrape it off and make blobs haha
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Kate! Apologies for the delay. It sounds like the dough may have been too warm, which can cause it to become sticky and hard to work with. I recommend chilling it for at least 10 minutes (or a bit longer if needed) to firm it up. Also, you can try lightly flouring the parchment paper or the dough to prevent sticking. I hope that helps, and I’m glad you gave the recipe a try, even if it turned into blobs!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Izzi! First, thank you so much for being a long-time follower and for your kind words—I really appreciate it! I’m sorry for the delay in responding. It sounds like reducing the sugar might have affected the dough's texture, as sugar helps with moisture and structure. You could try adding an extra tablespoon of plant-based milk to help with the dryness. Also, chilling the dough for just 10 minutes, instead of longer, should make it easier to work with while still preventing it from being too soft. As for the leftover fig paste, it freezes well, so it’s great you saved it for another batch! I hope these tips help, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the cookies otherwise!
Allison says
These look incredible. I was wondering if it is possible to make them with fresh figs and if so, are there any modifications needed. Thank you!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Allison! Apologies for the delay! Thank you for the kind words! While fresh figs do have a lovely flavor, I recommend using dried figs for this recipe, as they are sweeter and have a more concentrated flavor, which works better for the filling. If you do want to try using fresh figs, you might need to cook them down longer to achieve a thicker consistency, and you may need to adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more sugar or sweetener. However, the texture and overall outcome will be quite different. I hope that helps!
Char says
On several of your recipes, you use parchment paper. I have had the same silicon baking sheets for about 4 years. They work BETTER than the parchment paper, and never, have I had anything stick to them. Very rarely, do I need parchment paper. You can find them on Amazon for about $10 for 2.
Chinelle says
hiya,
Can you replace the figs with dates or other dried fruit?
Sam Turnbull says
I haven't tried it, but I'm sure it would and be tasty!
Grace says
Is there a recommended substitute or a way to reduce the sugar without ruining the taste of these?
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
It hasn't been tested with substitutes, but let us know if you try!
L A says
amazing! i've only recently gone vegan and have been really missing my favourite biscuits- this recipe worked great and i've got my fav snack back 🙂
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
We love to hear it!
Kate says
These are seriously addictive and a thousand times better than store bought!
When I saw how many it made I wondered about halving the recipe but I made the full amount in the end, and I am glad I did because they’d re disappearing FAST.
.
Recipe was easy peasy and results were dangerously good.
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Super! Thanks for the review, Kate!
Stephanie Zick says
Thank you so much for this awesome recipe! My kids love them warm and crisp right out of the oven; I use homemade whatever preserves I have on hand for thinning the figs out a bit and these are always a hit. Great job!!
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you, Stephanie! So happy you enjoy them!
Marcia says
The dough was very crumbly after I made it. Any suggestions?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Marcia! If the dough was too crumbly, it could be that it needed a bit more moisture. Try adding an extra tablespoon of plant-based milk next time and mixing until the dough holds together better. Also, make sure the vegan butter is softened but not melted, as that can affect the texture. Chilling the dough for at least 10 minutes should also help it come together. I hope this helps!
Louise says
These look amazing!
Can you freeze them?
Craig says
Always freeze mine, love them frozen. Don’t know how
long they will last in the freezer mine only make it a day or so before they are gone
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Haha they're that good!
Yuri says
These are spot on! Making your own jam is a game changer! So easy and delicious! Will be making again and again!
Kaitlyn says
These fig bars are incredible. 100x better than store bought. I’ve made them twice. Tender sweet cookie, rich jammy filling. Absolutely wonderful.
eve says
They turned out great!Thanx
Elaine says
I made these fig newtons today, and they're very good. I was short on figs, so I used figs and dates in the filling. Rolling out dough between parchment paper is an excellent idea!
Amanda says
This recipe was surprisingly easy! And they turned out perfectly! I will definitely make these again.
Tim says
Made these yesterday. Sooo much better than store bought. Will definitely make again.
Cindy says
Recipe was easy to follow and it tasted delicious!
Sherry says
These are so yummy! The recipe is easy to follow, but pretty impressive to bring to a gathering! My family couldn’t believe how delicious they were- way better than store bought!