Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies
There’s nothing quite like the taste of tradition during the holidays, and these Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are proof that some classics never go out of style. Infused with the rich, spiced flavors of classic fruitcake and packed into soft, chewy cookies, this festive treat brings all the holiday magic in every bite. Whether you’re a longtime fruitcake fan or simply love a cozy, homemade cookie, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for gifting, gatherings, or enjoying with a warm drink by the fire.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
Fruit and Nut Mix-ins:
- 1 cup chopped candied fruit cherries, pineapple, or mixed fruit
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins or currants
- Optional: 1 tbsp rum or fruit juice for soaking dried fruit
Instructions
- Prep the Fruit: (Optional) Soak chopped candied fruit and raisins in 1 tablespoon of rum or fruit juice for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a soft, tender cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the soaked fruits, raisins, and chopped nuts.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the types of candied fruits and nuts to suit your preferences. Some recipes also include a splash of sherry or brandy for added flavor.
- Yield: This recipe makes approximately 4 dozen cookies, depending on the size of the dough scoops.