National Fig Newton Day

When Life Gives You Figs, Make Fig Newtons!

Every year, as the calendar turns to January 16th, a sweetly peculiar holiday sneaks up on us, like a ninja in the snack aisle—it's National Fig Newton Day! A day where fig and cookie enthusiasts unite, alongside the curious culinary historians, to celebrate a treat that’s been soft, chewy, and iconic for over a century. But let’s be clear: this isn’t just your average cookie. Oh no, the Fig Newton has earned its stripes in the baked-good world. Whether you snuck them from your grandma's cookie jar or found them as your grown-up alternative to candy bars (because figs are technically fruit, right?), Fig Newtons are a delicious mix of nostalgia, innovation, and... well, figs. So why does this curious little cookie—er, cake?—deserve an entire day of celebration? Let’s dig into the chewy history and fun of Fig Newtons.

A Brief, Chewy History

Let’s rewind the clock to 1891, when mustaches were twirlable, top hats were fashionable, and the idea of “fast food” was a biscuit that didn’t take all day to bake. It was in this quaint time that the Kennedy Biscuit Works in Newton, Massachusetts, made cookie history by rolling out the first batch of Fig Newtons. Contrary to popular belief, these goodies weren’t named after Sir Isaac Newton (no apples were harmed in the making of these cookies), but after the very town of Newton, where cookie greatness was born. And thus, geography and gastronomy came together in a way no one ever saw coming.

Now, making a fig-filled cookie wasn’t exactly the "apple-falling-from-the-tree" type of genius moment. Instead, it was more like a light bulb turning on in the middle of a baking experiment. While most cookies of the time played it safe, the Fig Newton went rogue, wrapping its soft, cake-like arms around the humble fig. And this was no ordinary fruit. Figs, after all, were the stuff of ancient legends. They made cameos in religious texts, were Cleopatra’s favorite snack, and were one of the earliest fruits cultivated by humanity. In other words, these weren’t your average raisins.

What truly set the Fig Newton apart, though, was not just the fig filling—it was the machine that created its iconic shape. Enter the “funnel,” a dough-extruding contraption that sounds more like a ride at the state fair than a baking tool. Thanks to this invention, Fig Newtons came out in that legendary square shape, daring to be different in a world where most cookies were content to stay round. It was the baking equivalent of showing up to a formal event in a tuxedo, but with a neon bow tie. The Fig Newton, my friends, was a rule breaker from the start.

To add to its impressive resume, the Fig Newton was also one of the first commercially baked goods in America, which makes them the original gangster of the cookie aisle—long before sliced bread strolled in around 1928. In a world that was still figuring out how to mass-produce anything, the Fig Newton was leading the charge, saying, "Hey, we’ve got this cookie thing covered."

Fun Fig Facts

• Older than sliced bread! Fig Newtons have been on the scene since 1891, making them older than the concept of pre-sliced loaves. Sliced bread has to respect its elders.

• The Shape’s Secret: The distinctive square shape of Fig Newtons is courtesy of the “funnel” machine. Who knew a snack could be both delicious and the result of some serious engineering?

• Beyond Figs: While figs are the OG, Newtons have branched out into other fruity flavors over the years—strawberry, raspberry, and even pumpkin spice. But let’s be honest, the classic fig is like the Rolling Stones of the cookie world: it’s always cool.

Celebrate with Gusto

So, how does one celebrate National Fig Newton Day? Oh, let us count the ways:

• Fig Newton Eating Contest: How many can you devour in a minute? This is less about winning and more about enjoying the journey. Bonus points for not getting crumbs everywhere.

• Bake Your Own: Feeling adventurous? Try whipping up a batch of homemade Fig Newtons! If they come out looking like blobs, just call them “artisan” and no one will question it.

• Dress Up Like a Fig Newton: Costume parties are fun, right? So why not dress up like your favorite fig-filled treat? You’ll be the most huggable cookie at the party.

• Pairing Party: What pairs best with a Fig Newton? Tea? Coffee? A full-bodied red wine? This is your chance to experiment like a true snack sommelier and find the perfect match.

National Fig Newton Day is more than an excuse to indulge in chewy nostalgia. It’s a celebration of culinary innovation, a nod to America’s baking history, and a delightful way to share a unique snack that has stood the test of time. Whether you like them for their figgy goodness or their cake-like softness, Fig Newtons continue to bring a smile to the faces of cookie lovers everywhere. So, on January 16th, grab a pack, grab a friend, and enjoy a day filled with fig-filled fun. Here's to the Fig Newton – the cookie that’s always in good taste, whether it’s in your grandma’s jar or your snack drawer!

Bet you can't stop at just one!

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