The Chew: Michael Symon Fake Fig Newtons Recipe
Michael Symon teamed up with Daphne Oz to make a special Chew Fig Newton recipe. These cookies looked delicious. I can’t wait to try these! Clinton Kelly said he thought these were better than the original ones. You can also try his “Symon” Joy, Twix Recipe and Homemade Cheez-Its. Check out more great homemade imitations:
The Chew: Michael Symon’s Fig Chewtons Recipe Ingredients

Michael Symon, with the help of Daphne Oz, whipped up a special Fig Chewton recipe, Michael’s version of the popular fig newton cookie. (Jami Garrison / Shutterstock.com)
For the Dough
- 1 stick unsalted Butter; softened
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon Orange Zest
- 1 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup Turkish Figs; stems removed
- 1/2 cup Black Mission Figs; stems removed
- 1 cup Water
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- Salt
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed Orange Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Orange Zest
Michael Symon: The Chew’s Fig Chewtons Recipe Directions
- Start by making the dough. First, beat the butter on medium speed and then add the sugar. Continue beating until it’s light and fluffy, then add in the egg, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat until incorporated. You might have to scrape down the sides.
- Then mix together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and then add to the butter mixture. Mix to combine and then refrigerate for 2 hours.
- In the meantime, start the filling. Bring figs, water, cinnamon stick, salt, and sugar to a gentle boil and boil for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the liquid is sticky and the figs are hydrated. Then let it cool for 10 minutes, until it’s no longer steaming.
- Take out the cinnamon stick and puree the mixture with orange juice and zest until smooth. This adds a little bit of a pop of acidity to the natural sweetness. Then pour into a bowl and let it cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Cut the dough in half. While working with one half, place the other half back in the fridge.
- Roll dough on a floured surface into a rough 9 by 11 rectangle and then cut it into 4 long rectangles, about 3 1/2 inches wide.
- Place the strips on a parchment lined sheet tray and place in the refrigerator to firm up. If you wanted to, you could keep them frozen for a long time. Michael Symon said they’d be good in the freezer for a while. Repeat process with the rest of the dough.
- Once dough is firm, drizzle preserves onto the center of each rectangle in a long line lengthwise. Then fold the sides of each rectangle around the preserves and then flip, placing the seam-side down. Repeat with each rectangle.
- Flatten each log slightly to resemble a fig newton. Then bake for about 20 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool for a minute or two and then cut each log into 2 inch cookies.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy!
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