Grandmas Apricot Newtons a Homemade Classic
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Remember those Fig Newtons from your childhood? Honestly, these Recipe: Homemade Apricot Newtons are even better! They've got that classic soft cookie texture with a burst of tangy apricot filling recipe that'll make you swoon.
Brief Overview
Fruit filled cookies like these have been around for ages. They’re thought to have originated in Massachusetts. This recipe is a medium difficulty bake, taking about 1 hour 50 minutes from start to finish.
You'll get roughly 24 yummy healthy snacks .
Main Benefits
These newton cookie recipe are packed with fibre thanks to the baking with dried apricots , making them a slightly healthier treat.
They're amazing for afternoon tea or a cosy night in. What makes them special? They taste homemade , not mass produced, and you know exactly what's in them.
Ready to ditch the processed cookies and bars ? I am.
Let's talk ingredients, shall we? We're diving into the stuff that makes these Homemade Newtons Recipe proper lush.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!
Ready to make some Recipe: Homemade Apricot Newtons ? This isn't your average newton cookie recipe . We're going old-school, using quality stuff for proper flavor. Forget those supermarket things !
Main Ingredients for These Yummy Healthy Snacks
Here's what you'll need to bake approximately 24 fruit filled cookies :
Dough Stage:
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (281g) . Plain flour works best.
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) . For that soft cookie texture.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) . Just a pinch balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) , softened. Make sure it's actually soft, not melted!
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) .
- Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) , packed. Adds a lovely warmth.
- Large egg: 1 .
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Pure extract, nothing artificial.
- Milk: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
Apricot Filling Stage:
- Dried apricots: 1 pound (454g) , roughly chopped. Go for plump and juicy looking ones. That's how to ensure the quality.
- Water: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
- Orange juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Freshly squeezed is always better.
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) .
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a little zing.
- Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) . Just a hint of spice.
Seasoning Notes: Aromatic Magic
The apricot filling recipe is all about balancing sweet and tart. A touch of cinnamon warms it up. If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg.
For Fig Newtons , sub out the apricots for dried figs!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets for this homemade newtons recipe . But these are the things you need.
- Food processor (optional): Makes the filling smoother. A knife works, too.
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: For creaming butter and sugar.
- Baking sheets.
- Parchment paper.
- Rolling pin.
- Pastry brush.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter.
That's it. Now let's get baking some classic cookie recipes and make some proper cookies and bars .
Grandma's Apricot Newtons: A Homemade Classic
Honestly, who doesn't love a soft cookie? I do! These Apricot Newtons are like the ultimate yummy healthy snacks . Forget those store-bought things; we're making classic cookie recipes from scratch.
This homemade newtons recipe will knock your socks off!
Prep Like a Pro
Essential mise en place is key, loves. Get all your ingredients measured. Chop those apricots. You know, organisation is everything.
I sometimes put on a bit of Bowie to get in the zone. Time saving organization tips: Have all your tools ready.
Safety reminders: Mind those sharp knives, yeah?
step-by-step Newton Magic
- First, make that glorious apricot filling recipe . Simmer the apricots with water, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook until soft and a lot of the liquid is gone. It should take about 20- 25 minutes .
- Now, the dough. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Go until it's light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones. Alternate with the milk. Do not overmix!
- Wrap that dough in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour . Honestly, don't skip this step.
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough. Roll it out. Spread that fruit filled cookies filling down the center. Fold, seal, cut, and bake for 20- 25 minutes . They should be lightly golden.
Pro Newton Tips
Want truly banging Newtons? Don't overmix the dough! Overmixing means tough newton cookie recipe . Chill that dough properly. It makes all the difference.
Using the right amount of everything is key. A common mistake is to not have enough apricot filling, so don't hold back on that.
You can consider baking with dried apricots for a fuller flavor. And hey, you can totally make the filling a day ahead!
Making Recipe: Homemade Apricot Newtons is so rewarding! They're perfect with a cuppa and a good natter. Give these a go, and you'll never buy the shop ones again.
Recipe Notes: Making Grandma Proud
Right, so you're ready to tackle these Recipe: Homemade Apricot Newtons ? Good on ya! Here are some things I learned along the way.
Honestly, baking these beauties is easier than you think, but a few pointers never hurt, right? Think of it as insider info.
Plating Like a Pro & Drink Pairings
Want to make your soft cookie look fancy? Dust them lightly with icing sugar. You know, for that "just out of a posh bakery" vibe.
They look amazing on a tiered cake stand, especially if you're having afternoon tea. As for drinks, Apricot Newtons pair perfectly with a cuppa Earl Grey, obviously! Or, if you're feeling a bit cheeky, try a glass of dessert wine.
It’s a great way to impress your friends.
Storing Your Yummy Healthy Snacks
These fruit filled cookies are delicious fresh, but they also store well. Once cooled, pop them in an airtight container.
They'll keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, bung them in the fridge.
They'll be good for up to a week. I haven’t tried freezing them yet, but I reckon they'd freeze alright.
Just thaw them completely before tucking in.
Tweaks and Swaps
Fancy a bit of a change? Swap the apricots for dried figs and make Fig Newtons ! You could also try raspberry jam for a different flavour.
If you're after baking with dried apricots , you can use different varieties for a slightly different taste. As for dietary needs, try using a gluten-free flour blend for homemade newtons recipe that everyone can enjoy.
These classic cookie recipes are flexible, so get creative!
Nutrition Nugget
Alright, so these are cookies. Let's be real. But, they’re also made with dried fruit, which means they’ve got some fibre in them! Plus, you control the sugar, so they can be a slightly healthier treat than shop bought newton cookie recipe .
Roughly, each Newton has about 130 calories. Not bad for a bit of deliciousness, eh? Plus, apricots are loaded with good stuff.
You're practically getting your five-a-day!
Seriously, give these Cookies And Bars a go. They're dead easy once you get the hang of it, and they taste a million times better than anything you can buy in the shops.
You might even start a new family tradition with this apricot filling recipe . Go on, get baking! You’ve got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
My apricot filling seems too thick or too thin. What can I do?
The consistency of your apricot filling is key to a proper Newton! If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time while simmering until it reaches a spreadable consistency, a bit like jam. If it's too thin, continue simmering for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
You want it to be thick enough to stay put when baked, otherwise, you will have a right mess.
Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried ones in this Recipe: Homemade Apricot Newtons?
While dried apricots are traditional for Newtons, you can use fresh ones, though it requires a bit of tweaking. You'll need about 2 pounds of fresh apricots, pitted and chopped. Simmer them with the other filling ingredients until they soften and the mixture thickens considerably, which will take longer than with dried apricots.
Be sure to cook out excess moisture to prevent soggy Newtons nobody wants a soggy bottom!
Why did my Homemade Apricot Newtons spread out too much while baking?
Spreading during baking is a common baking woe, innit? It usually happens when the dough is too warm or the oven temperature is off. Ensure your butter isn't too soft when creaming it with the sugar; it should be softened, not melted.
Chilling the dough for the recommended time is crucial, and it's always a good idea to double check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
How long do these homemade Apricot Newtons last, and what's the best way to store them?
These little beauties are best enjoyed within 3-5 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy. You can freeze them for longer storage (up to a month).
Just make sure they're well wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and thaw them completely before enjoying maybe with a cuppa!
Can I make these Recipe: Homemade Apricot Newtons gluten-free?
Yes, you can definitely make these gluten-free! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, the kind that already contains xanthan gum. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough can be a bit more delicate, so handle it gently and chill it thoroughly before rolling.
You might need to experiment with different blends to find one that works best for you.
I don't have orange juice. What can I substitute in the apricot filling?
No worries, a substitution is easy peasy! Apple juice works really well as a substitute for orange juice in the apricot filling. You could also use water in a pinch, but the orange juice adds a lovely bit of tang, so if you're using water, consider adding a tiny pinch of orange zest for a similar flavor boost.
Grandmas Apricot Newtons A Homemade Classic
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 130 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
