Fruitcake Cookies Recipe – glassika recipes

Hello, holiday bakers!

If you’re looking for a festive, chewy, and delightfully sweet treat to add to your baking list, these Fruitcake Cookies are a must-try! Packed with vibrant candied fruits, crunchy nuts, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re the perfect way to bring holiday cheer to your dessert table. These cookies are quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and make for a beautiful addition to your seasonal celebrations. Let’s dive in!

Introduction

Fruitcake often gets a bad reputation during the holidays, but these Fruitcake Cookies are here to change that. Imagine all the best flavors of traditional fruitcake—sweet candied fruits, warm spices, and rich buttery goodness—packed into a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, as a homemade gift, or just to enjoy with family, they’re sure to please.

Fun fact: Fruitcake dates back to Roman times, where it was a dense and hearty treat filled with pomegranate seeds, nuts, and raisins. These cookies take that ancient tradition and give it a modern, approachable twist!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Fruitcake Cookies:

Dry Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

1 cup chopped candied fruits (cherries, pineapple, etc.)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

These ingredients create a balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and a buttery richness that make these cookies irresistible. Feel free to substitute or add other dried fruits like raisins, currants, or even cranberries for a unique twist.

How to Make Fruitcake Cookies

Follow these step-by-step instructions to whip up a batch of Fruitcake Cookies:

1. Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup and even baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring soft and tender cookies.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This helps bind the dough and adds flavor.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

6. Fold in the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the candied fruits, chopped nuts, and cinnamon (if using). Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Form Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

8. Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Helpful Tips

Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create the ideal texture for the cookies.
Prevent Spreading: Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if your cookies tend to spread too much during baking.
Even Sizes: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, ensuring even baking.
Customizing Nuts and Fruits: Swap out the nuts or candied fruits for your favorites, such as almonds, pistachios, dried apricots, or golden raisins.

Cooking Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Fruitcake Cookies turn out perfectly:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Check that your baking soda and flour are fresh for optimal rise and flavor.
Cinnamon or Not: The ground cinnamon is optional, but it adds a lovely warmth to the cookies.
Prevent Burning: Watch your cookies closely in the last 2 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Double the Recipe: These cookies freeze well, so consider doubling the batch and storing extras for later.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Fruitcake Cookies with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or spiced cider for a cozy afternoon treat.
Serve them on a decorative holiday platter for a festive presentation.
Package them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon to give as thoughtful, homemade gifts.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a look at the approximate nutritional content for these cookies (per cookie):

Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 70mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 1%
Iron: 2%

These cookies are indulgent yet balanced, making them a treat you can enjoy without too much guilt.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

Reheat: Refresh cookies in a warm oven (300°F) for a few minutes to restore their chewiness and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can work, butter gives these cookies a richer, more authentic flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.

What’s the best way to chop candied fruits?
Use a sharp knife and sprinkle the fruits lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Related Recipes

Love the festive flavor of these cookies? Here are more holiday-inspired treats you might enjoy:

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Fruitcake Cookies! These festive treats are bursting with flavor, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special snack. Whether you’re a fan of traditional fruitcake or just looking for a unique cookie recipe, these cookies are sure to delight. Give them a try and share the joy of baking with your loved ones this season!