Homemade Fig Newtons

INGREDIENTS

For the Fig Paste:

heaping cup of chopped black Mission Figs

1 1/2 cups

water

1 cup

apple brandy (or apple juice)

1/4 cup

granulated sugar

zest of ½ orangeFor the Cookie Dough:

1 1/2 cups

whole wheat pastry flour (I used Bob's Red Mill)

1/2 tsp

baking soda

1/4 tsp

salt

1/8 tsp

ground cinnamon

6 tbsp

unsalted butter, room temperature

6 tbsp

packed light brown sugar

large egg, room temperature

1 tsp

pure vanilla extract

1 tsp

grated orange zest