Fig Nelson'S

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Fig Nelson's are classic, sweet finger cookies filled with fig jam, featuring a tender, buttery texture and a hint of sweetness, perfect for an elegant tea treat or snack.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 1/3 cups flour
  • 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons potato starch

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Incorporate flour, potato starch, and baking powder into the mixture.
  4. Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a roll.
  5. Place the rolls side by side on a cookie sheet.
  6. Make a slight indentation down the middle of each roll.
  7. Fill the indentations with fig jam or your preferred jam.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the edges are slightly golden, about 15 minutes.
  9. While warm, cut the rolls into slices about one finger wide on a slant.
  10. Let the cookies cool completely and store in a dry, airtight container.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use almond flour or gluten-free flour blends as a substitute for regular flour, especially if you're looking for gluten-free options. Make sure to adjust baking times if you alter the thickness of the dough rolls. Using homemade fig jam enhances flavor significantly.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. For a festive twist, serve them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or alongside the Lemon-Orange Delight Cake for a sweet treat platter.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Fig Nelson's cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fig Nelson'S contains roughly 442 calories, with 6g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value).

442 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.4g 13% DV
Total Fat 21.8g 28% DV
Carbs 54.8g 20% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 219.8mg 10% DV
Potassium 179.5mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 111.6mg 37% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3.1mg 3% DV
Calcium 143.1mg 11% DV
Iron 2.8mg 15% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! While fig jam is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam. Each will impart a different taste and make the cookies uniquely yours.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to shape into rolls. You can also dust your hands and the work surface with a little flour or potato starch to manage the stickiness.

How can I make these cookies more visually appealing?

To enhance the presentation, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the sliced cookies after they've cooled completely. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or a little sea salt on top for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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