Vegan Fig Newtons

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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 1/3 of the fig paste down the center of the cookie dough in a 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.

Step 6

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.