Homemade Fig Newtons

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt (or 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 stick of salted butter (4 ounces), at room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sorghum syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 large whole egg + 1 large egg yolk
• 12 ounces dried Black Mission figs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sorghum syrup or honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt (or 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium size bowl, add the all-purpose...: In a medium size bowl, add the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon and stir with a wire whisk to combine.

2. 2

   In the bowl of an electric mixer, add...: In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the butter, brown sugar, sorghum syrup (or honey or dark corn syrup), vanilla, and orange zest and beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. 3

   Scrape down the sides of the bowl and...: Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the whole egg. Beat on medium-high speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the egg yolk, and beat on medium-high speed for another minute.

4. 4

   Scrape down the sides of the bowl again,...: Scrape down the sides of the bowl again, add the dry ingredients, and mix on low speed just until combined. Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and dump the dough into the center. Dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking and press the dough into an oval that's about 8 inches long. Fold the plastic wrap over the dough to cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.

5. 5

   If the figs have stems, remove them. Add...: If the figs have stems, remove them. Add the figs, orange juice, and water to a saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let sit until cooled to room temperature. (You can also allow the figs to sit overnight in the cooking liquid, covered in the refrigerator.)

6. 6

   Drain the figs from their liquid and dump...: Drain the figs from their liquid and dump them into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the chopping blade. Add the rest of the filling ingredients and pulse until smooth.

7. 7

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

8. 8

   Dust a work surface with a liberal amount...: Dust a work surface with a liberal amount of flour and roll the dough into a rectangle that's about 11 inches long by 13 inches wide, and 1/4 inch thick. Trim the edges so that you have a clean rectangle shape. Then, use a ruler to cut strips that are 3 1/2 inches wide.

9. 9

   Add the fig filling to a pastry bag...: Add the fig filling to a pastry bag or a ziplock bag, and cut off about 1/2 inch of the tip. Pipe the fig filling down the center of each strip of dough. The filling will be about 1 inch wide and 1/2 inch thick.

10. 10

    Fold one of the long sides of the...: Fold one of the long sides of the dough up and over the filling, then fold the other long side of the dough up and over the filling, making sure to overlap the edges about 1/4 of an inch. Press the long seam gently with your fingers to seal and gently lift each log onto a parchment-covered baking sheet. Press the ends to seal those too.

11. 11

    Bake for 13-15 minutes, until the dough is...: Bake for 13-15 minutes, until the dough is set and slightly firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute.

12. 12

    Use a sharp knife to trim each bar...: Use a sharp knife to trim each bar into several 1" long cookies. While the cookies are still warm, transfer them to a plastic container with a lid or large zip-lock bag. If you need to stack the cookies, place a piece of parchment between the layers. Seal the container or bag tightly and let the cookies steam for 30 minutes.

13. 13

    Remove the cookies from the sealed container and...: Remove the cookies from the sealed container and let them cool completely. Store Homemade Fig Newtons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.