By Wendy Stoltz, Gusti Ayu Wahyuni Mertawati / Last Modified On November 20, 2023

These Gluten-Free Fig Newtons are perfectly chewy, sweet, and satisfying treats. Whether you've been looking for a wholesome snack or have a sweet tooth, these fig-filled newtons are about to become your new kitchen obsession.

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Table of Contents

Gluten-Free Fig Newtons Recipe

We've got a killer recipe for Gluten-Free Fig Newtons that's all about that perfect combo of chewy, sweet, and downright satisfying. These aren't your average fig bars; they're a game-changer, especially if you're into guilt-free snacking or have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying.

You won't believe the health benefits of figs, so here's the lowdown on these Fig Newtons – we're talking a mix of almond, cassava, and rice flours for that gluten-free magic. The dough? Sweetened to perfection with a blend of sugar and maple syrup. And let's not forget that fruity filling of dried figs, a dash of orange zest, and coconut sugar. It's like a party in your mouth, seriously.

Don't worry about hitting a snag while wrangling with the fig mixture. It happens to the best of us. Our pro tip? Take it slow, use a big enough piping bag, and don't forget to keep things cool. Trust me, once you've nailed it, you'll munch on the most fantastic homemade Fig Newtons ever. And, yes, the prep time and total time are long, but the result is so worth it!

Why You’re Going to Love These Gluten-Free Fig Newtons

Simple Ingredients - The ingredients in this cookie recipe are simple pantry staples.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors - Experience the blend of almond, cassava flour, and a touch of orange zest, creating various flavors in every bite.

Guilt-Free Indulgence - Gluten-free goodness without compromising on taste or texture, all you need to do is follow the instructions.

Homemade With No Nasties - These homemade fig bars will make you question ever reaching for the store-bought version again.

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Fig Newtons

For The Pastry:

Almond Flour, Cassava Flour, and Rice Flour - Create a gluten-free flour blend that perfectly balances texture and flavor.

Xanthan Gum - Acts as a binding agent, ensuring the dough holds together flawlessly.

Baking Soda - Baking soda leavens the dough, helping it rise and achieve a soft, airy texture in the final product.

Granulated Sugar, Maple Syrup, and Cold Butter - Granulated sugar sweetens the dough, while maple syrup adds sweetness and moisture. Cold, cubed butter ensures a flaky and tender pastry.

Egg - The egg is a crucial binder, contributing to the dough's structure and providing moisture for a luscious texture.

Orange Zest and Juice - Infuse a burst of citrusy freshness, elevating the overall taste profile.

Vanilla Extract - Vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to the dough, enhancing the overall sweetness and contributing to the well-rounded flavor profile of these Fig Newton cookies.

For The Filling:

Dried Figs - Dried figs form the heart of the filling, providing natural sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the tender pastry.

Orange Zest and Fresh Orange Juice - The bright notes of orange zest and juice in the filling amplify the fruity flavor, adding a refreshing contrast to the sweet figs.

Coconut Sugar (or other granulated sugar) and Pinch of Salt - Coconut sugar, or your choice of granulated sugar, sweetens the filling. At the same time, a pinch of salt balances and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Water - Water is used to simmer the dried figs, creating a syrupy consistency in the filling and ensuring it's spreadable without being overly sticky.

Equipment Needed for This GF Fig Newtons

Mixing Bowls - For combining and blending the dry and wet ingredients.

Electric Mixer or Food Processor - To achieve the fluffy texture of the dough. It is essential for creating a smooth and luscious fig filling.

Piping Bag with Round Tip - Makes filling the dough a breeze.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Fig Newtons, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Gluten-Free Fig Newtons

Mix almond flour, rice flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
Mix granulated sugar, maple syrup, and butter in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until fluffy.
Add the egg, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix on low speed.
Add flour mixture in 3 parts. And mix until it forms a dough.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, then store it in the refrigerator.
While waiting for the dough, let’s make the filling. In a saucepan, cook dried fig, orange zest, coconut sugar, salt, orange juice, and water. Stir and cook on low heat until the fig mixture is tender.
Pour the fig mixture into the food processor. Process the fig mixture until smooth. Let it cool, and put it into a piping bag with a round tip.
Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the dough from the chiller into 2 with a sharp knife. Roll the dough into ⅛ inches thickness oval, then trim into 4 x 7.5 inches rectangle. Do the same for the remaining dough.
Pipe the fig onto the dough. Fold the dough to cover the filling and cut into the desired size. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and give around 1 inch of space to another.
Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the dough is baked through and just lightly golden.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Fig Newtons

Chill the Dough - Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator enhances its texture and makes it easier to handle.

Even Thickness - Roll the dough to an even thickness for consistent baking.

Space Them Out - Give the fig-filled dough ample space on the baking sheet for even baking.

Keep an Eye - Watch for that light golden hue to ensure a perfect bake.

Tips For Adding The Fig Mixture To The Dough

If you find yourself struggling while adding the fig mixture to the dough, here are some helpful tips to ensure a smoother process:

Ensure Proper Filling Consistency - Ensure the fig filling has cooled adequately before attempting to pipe it onto the dough. A slightly chilled filling is easier to handle and less likely to be overly sticky.

Use a Piping Bag with a Large Enough Tip - Opt for a piping bag with a sufficiently large round tip. This makes it easier to pipe the fig mixture without getting stuck or clogging the end.

Adjust Filling Temperature - If the fig filling becomes too thick, gently reheat it over low heat and add a bit of water to achieve a more spreadable consistency.

Work in Batches - Divide the fig filling into smaller portions and work with one batch at a time. This prevents the filling from drying out or becoming too difficult to handle.

Keep Dough Cool - Ensure the dough remains chilled while working with it. If it becomes too soft, it may be challenging to encase the fig filling correctly.

Dust with Gluten-Free Flour - If the dough sticks to your hands or the work surface, lightly dust it with gluten-free flour. This prevents the dough from becoming overly sticky.

Practice Patience - Take your time when filling and folding the dough. It's better to work slowly and methodically to avoid any mishaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Store Gluten-Free Fig Newtons?

Store your freshly baked Gluten-Free Fig Newtons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their chewy goodness.

Can I Freeze GF Fig Newtons?

Absolutely! Freeze these treats in a single layer, then transfer them to a sealed bag. They'll stay good for up to three months. Just thaw and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.

Can You Make This Gluten-Free Fig Newtons Ahead of Time?

Certainly! Prepare the dough and filling in advance, store them separately in the fridge, and assemble and bake when you're ready for a freshly baked batch.

What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free Fig Newtons?

Sweetener - Try alternative sweeteners like honey or agave instead of maple syrup.

Fruit Variation - Explore other dried fruits for a unique twist in the filling.

Can I Use Fresh Figs?

This recipe is crafted explicitly for dried figs. You can certainly experiment with using fresh figs in your Gluten-Free Fig Newtons. However, remember that fresh figs have a higher water content than dried ones, which may affect the consistency of the filling. Adjustments may be needed to achieve the desired texture.

Can I Substitute A Different Gluten-Free Flour?

Yes, you can. This recipe's gluten-free flour blend includes almond flour, cassava flour, and rice flour. If you'd like to substitute or customize the blend consider the following:

Texture - Different flours have varying textures, so the texture of your final product may change slightly.
Absorption - Some flours absorb more liquid than others. You might need to adjust the liquid content in the recipe to achieve the desired consistency.
Flavor - Each flour contributes its unique flavor. Experimenting with different flour combinations can add depth to the overall taste.

Feel free to tailor the gluten-free flour blend to your preferences or dietary needs. Just keep in mind that the ratios may need adjustment, and it's always a good idea to make a small test batch before committing to larger quantities.

Click here to view our step-by-step recipe video on YouTube.

Yield: 18 servings

Gluten-Free Fig Newtons

Name: Gluten-Free Fig Newtons
Prep time: 2 h 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Yield: 18
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup almond flour; ½ cup cassava flour; ½ cup rice flour; 1 teaspoon Xanthan gum; 1 tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup Granulated sugar; 1 tbsp maple syrup; ¼ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes; 1 egg; 1 tbsp Orange juice; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; Zest of ½ orange; 1 cup dried figs, discard the stem.; 1 tsp orange zest; ¼ cup coconut sugar, or other granulated sugar; Pinch Salt; 1 tbsp fresh orange juice; ¼ cup water

These gluten-free fig newtons are perfectly chewy, sweet, and satisfying treats that are perfect for snacking on.

Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes

Ingredients

Pastry

½ cup almond flour
½ cup cassava flour
½ cup rice flour
1 teaspoon Xanthan gum
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup Granulated sugar
1 tbsp maple syrup
¼ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
1 egg
1 tbsp Orange juice
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Zest of ½ orange

Fig Filling

1 cup dried figs, discard the stem.
1 tsp orange zest
¼ cup coconut sugar, or other granulated sugar
Pinch Salt
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
¼ cup water

Instructions

Mix almond flour, rice flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
Mix granulated sugar, maple syrup, and butter in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until fluffy.
Add the egg, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix on low speed.
Add flour mixture in 3 parts. And mix until it forms a dough.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, then store it in the refrigerator.
While waiting for the dough, let’s make the filling. In a saucepan, cook dried fig, orange zest, coconut sugar, salt, orange juice, and water. Stir and cook on low heat until the fig mixture is tender.
Pour the fig mixture into the food processor. Process the fig mixture until smooth. Let it cool, and put it into a piping bag with a round tip.
Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take the dough from the chiller and divide it into 2. Roll the dough into ⅛ inches thickness oval, then trim into 4 x 7.5 inches rectangle.
Pipe the fig onto the dough. Fold the dough to cover the filling and cut into the desired size. Arrange on the baking sheet and give around 1 inch of space to another.
Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the dough is baked through and just lightly golden.

Notes

Chill the Dough - Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator enhances its texture and makes it easier to handle.
Even Thickness - Roll the dough to an even thickness for consistent baking.
Space Them Out - Give the fig-filled dough ample space on the baking sheet for even baking.
Keep an Eye - Watch for that light golden hue to ensure a perfect bake.

Gluten-Free Fig Newtons

Gluten-Free Fig Newtons Recipe

Why You’re Going to Love These Gluten-Free Fig Newtons