Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on a traditional holiday fruitcake. These cookies offer the warm, spiced flavors of fruitcake in a more bite-sized form, making them perfect for cookie trays or festive gatherings. Packed with chopped candied fruit, nuts, and aromatic spices, these cookies bring a comforting taste of the season with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Directions
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped candied fruit and chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of the dough onto a greased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 25-27 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 3 dozen cookies
Variations
- Add-ins: If you prefer, you can use dried fruits like raisins, currants, or dried apricots in place of or in addition to candied fruit.
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts.
- Spices: For added flavor complexity, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the spice mix.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat them, you can warm them up in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back their soft texture.
10 FAQs
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives these cookies their best flavor and texture, but you can substitute margarine if necessary. - Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance, refrigerate it for up to 2 days, and then bake when you’re ready. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Once baked, let the cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. - Do I have to use candied fruit?
Candied fruit is traditional in fruitcake cookies, but you can substitute it with dried fruit like raisins, currants, or dried cherries for a less sweet, more natural option. - What kind of nuts are best for these cookies?
Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds are great choices, but you can use any nut you prefer. - Can I adjust the spices?
Feel free to add or reduce the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste, or experiment with adding other spices like ground ginger or cloves. - Are these cookies very sweet?
The combination of sugar and candied fruit does make these cookies sweet, but the spices help balance the flavor. - Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?
Yes! You can make the cookies larger or smaller, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Larger cookies may need extra time, while smaller ones may bake faster. - What do I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping and baking. - How can I make these cookies more festive?
Add holiday-colored sprinkles to the dough or dust the cookies with powdered sugar after baking for a festive touch.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies bring the classic holiday flavors of fruitcake into an easy-to-make cookie form. With their rich spices, sweet candied fruit, and crunchy nuts, these cookies offer a taste of tradition with every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, holiday dessert table, or just a cozy treat at home, these cookies are sure to become a favorite holiday staple.