Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional fruitcake. They offer the same rich flavors but in a fun and easy cookie form. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family moments, these cookies are packed with sweet candied fruits and warm spices, making them irresistible. They’re a great way to share a bit of nostalgia and love with friends and family.

How to Make Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped candied fruits (e.g., cherries, pineapple)
• 1/2 cup raisins or currants
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
5. Gently fold in the chopped candied fruits, raisins, and nuts. This adds a colorful and flavorful mix to your dough.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

These cookies are great on their own or served with a warm cup of tea or coffee. You can also stack them on a decorative plate for a lovely display during gatherings. They make a thoughtful gift when packed in a nice box or jar.

How to Store Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they should stay fresh for several months. To enjoy later, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Tips to Make Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

• Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
• Feel free to mix up the dried fruits and nuts based on your preference.
• If you like a bit more spice, try adding a pinch of ground ginger.
• Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies.

Variation

You can switch out the nuts for chocolate chips for a sweeter version or use different fruits like dried cranberries or apricots for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

2. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Just make sure to store them in a proper freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

3. Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
You can, but brown sugar gives the cookies a richer flavor and chewiness. If you use regular sugar, the texture may be slightly different.

Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

These Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are a festive and delightful treat, packed with candied fruits and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and a nostalgic taste of tradition.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 37 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup Brown sugar packed
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Mix-ins

• 1 cup Candied mixed fruit
• 1/2 cup Chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup Rolled oats

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Wire rack

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt using a whisk.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the candied mixed fruit, chopped pecans, and rolled oats.

Baking

1. Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced approximately 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
2. Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For the best flavor and texture, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.