Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe for Holiday Joy

Memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl around these delightful old-fashioned fruitcake cookies that capture festive moments.

Sweet aromas transport me back to childhood celebrations.

Candied fruits peek through buttery dough like little jewels of nostalgia.

Rich spices whisper stories of traditional holiday gatherings.

Each morsel connects generations through simple, comforting ingredients.

Baking these treats feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, familiar embrace.

Crumble one of these cookies and savor a slice of delicious history.

Tips for Even Baking and Fruit Distribution

• Boost Flavor Depth: Soak dried fruits in rum or brandy before mixing to enhance the complex taste profile and add a subtle boozy undertone.
• Prevent Overmixing Pitfall: Stir dry ingredients gently into wet mixture just until combined to maintain a tender, soft cookie texture without developing tough gluten.
• Master Moisture Balance: Check cookies at 10-minute mark to ensure edges are golden but centers remain slightly soft, preventing dry or crumbly results.
• Customize Mix-ins: Swap traditional nuts and fruits with personal favorites like pecans, dried cranberries, or chopped apricots to create unique flavor variations.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Layer cookies between parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate shape during refrigeration or freezing.

Store and Reheat Fruitcake Cookies the Right Way

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between each row to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 7 days at room temperature.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain original texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in a preheated 300F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their fresh-baked softness and enhance the aromatic spices.

Hot Drinks and Sweets That Match Fruitcake Cookies

• Pair these old-fashioned fruitcake cookies with a smooth dark rum or spiced rum to complement the rich fruit and warm spice notes, creating a delightful after-dinner treat.
• Serve alongside a hot cup of medium-roast coffee or espresso, which will highlight the cookie's nutty and fruity undertones while providing a warm, comforting contrast.
• Select a sweet dessert wine like port or Madeira, which beautifully echoes the cookie's complex flavor profile and brings out the subtle hints of candied fruit and warming spices.
• Add these cookies to a cheese board featuring mild aged cheddar or creamy brie, allowing the cookie's sweetness to balance the cheese's richness and create a sophisticated flavor experience.

Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie Variations

Gluten-Free Holiday Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy these festive cookies without compromise.

Vegan Fruit Celebration: Substitute butter with coconut oil, replace egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use plant-based candied fruits to create a compassionate version of the classic recipe.

Reduced Sugar Option: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, cutting down on refined sugars while maintaining the rich, warm flavor profile of traditional fruitcake cookies.

Nut-Free Version: Eliminate nuts completely and increase the quantity of candied fruits, creating an allergen-friendly cookie that’s safe for those with nut allergies while preserving the original’s delightful texture and taste.

Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies With Holiday Flair

• Master these cookies with minimal prep time and simple mixing techniques, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Create a delicious tradition that connects generations through a sweet, spiced cookie everyone will love.
• Enjoy these cookies as a dessert, gift, or party snack that captures the warm essence of holiday baking.

What You’ll Need for Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

• Candied Fruit: A classic fruitcake ingredient with vibrant colors and sweet preserved taste.
• Raisins: Dark and sweet dried grapes that add natural sugary depth to the cookies.
• Nuts: Provide delightful crunch and rich nutty flavor to complement the sweet fruits.

• Butter: Softened dairy base that creates rich, tender cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps cookies stay moist.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to soft cookie structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic background flavor enhancing other ingredients.

• All-Purpose Flour: Standard baking flour for creating cookie structure.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds cozy, aromatic dimension to cookies.
• Nutmeg: Complementary spice with subtle, slightly sweet woody notes.

• Rum: Can be used to soak fruits for extra flavor complexity and moisture.

How to Bake Fruitcake Cookies Packed with Bits

Step 1: Soak Dried Fruits

Combine candied fruits and raisins in rum. Let them sit for half an hour to enhance flavor depth. This optional step infuses rich complexity into the cookie.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sweetener

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy and light. Use an electric mixer for smooth, airy consistency.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Binders

Gently fold in egg and vanilla extract. Stir until ingredients are completely integrated and create a silky base.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture without overmixing.

Step 5: Introduce Texture Elements

Carefully fold chopped fruits, raisins, and nuts into cookie dough. Ensure even distribution throughout mixture.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Space cookies two inches apart. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers set.

Step 7: Cool and Preserve

Let cookies rest on baking sheet briefly. Transfer to wire cooling rack. Store in sealed container at room temperature for one week or freeze for extended preservation.

Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday memories come alive with old-fashioned fruitcake cookies, a nostalgic treat blending traditional flavors and festive cheer. Packed with candied fruits and rich spices, these cookies offer a delightful bite that connects you to cherished family traditions.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Fruits and Nuts:

• 1 cup (120 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup (150 grams) chopped candied red cherries
• 1 cup (150 grams) chopped candied green cherries
• 1 cup (150 grams) chopped candied pineapple
• ½ cup (75 grams) golden raisins
• ½ cup (75 grams) chopped dates

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Instructions

1. Enhance the candied fruit and raisins by optionally infusing them with rum for a half hour, allowing flavors to intensify and meld harmoniously.
2. Create a light, airy base by vigorously whipping softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture transforms into a fluffy, pale consistency.
3. Introduce richness by incorporating egg and vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to ensure complete integration and depth of flavor.
4. Prepare the dry ingredient medley by whisking flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate vessel, ensuring even distribution of spices.
5. Gradually merge the dry ingredient mixture into the butter blend, stirring with gentle, deliberate motions to maintain a tender cookie texture.
6. Delicately integrate chopped candied fruit, raisins, and nuts into the dough, ensuring an even, balanced distribution throughout the mixture.
7. Portion the dough using rounded tablespoons onto a lined baking sheet, maintaining sufficient spacing between each cookie.
8. Bake in a preheated 350F (175C) oven, watching for a delicate golden edge and set center, typically requiring 10-12 minutes of careful cooking.
9. Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
10. Preserve the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness, with the option to freeze for extended storage.

Notes

• Soak dried fruits in rum or orange juice to intensify flavor complexity and add moisture to the cookies.
• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth creaming, which creates a lighter, more tender cookie texture.
• Use freshly ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a more vibrant and aromatic taste profile.
• Replace nuts with seeds or skip them entirely for nut-free versions, maintaining the cookie’s delightful texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 193
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg