If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the rich, nostalgic flavors of a classic holiday fruitcake without the dense heaviness, then this Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These delightful cookies capture all the warmth of traditional fruitcake—think cinnamon, nutmeg, candied fruits, and nuts—into bite-sized, chewy treats that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving something with a bit of old-school charm, these cookies bring festive flavor and a welcoming aroma to any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with these Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet packed with character. Each one plays an important role, from the creamy butter that ensures tenderness to the colorful candied fruits and nuts that give these cookies their signature look and flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dough and keeps cookies tender.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds natural sweetness with a hint of molasses, deepening the cookie’s flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, helping hold everything together while adding moisture.
- 2 tbsp milk: Keeps the dough soft and workable for easy mixing and shaping.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with mellow warmth and enhances the fruit and spice notes.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure builder that creates the perfect chewy texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Ensures a light rise for a soft bite without too much puffiness.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings cozy spice with a slightly sweet undertone, classic to fruitcakes.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- 1 cup chopped candied fruits: Bursting with color and sweetness, these provide the unmistakable fruitcake flair.
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants: Tiny pockets of natural sweetness and chewiness.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds crunch and a slightly buttery flavor for balance.
How to Make Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off easily without sticking. This simple preparation sets you up for cookie success.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes by hand or with a mixer. Then, beat in the egg, followed by the milk and vanilla extract, until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. This mixture is going to create that deliciously tender crumb.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisking helps distribute the baking soda and spices evenly throughout the flour, which means every bite will have consistent flavor and texture. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently just until everything is combined without overmixing.
Step 4: Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Now comes the star of the show. Gently fold in your chopped candied fruits, raisins or currants, and chopped nuts. These vibrant goodies transform your dough into a festive mosaic of colors and textures. The folding process keeps the dough light while evenly dispersing these flavorful add-ins.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Pop them into the oven and let them bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—they should feel soft but set when you touch the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool right on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up slightly, so they hold their shape. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. The aroma alone at this stage will have everyone eager to take a bite.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, consider sprinkling a little powdered sugar over the cookies before serving. A small drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts can also add a beautiful finish that enhances both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Their rich, fruity flavor also complements cream or custard-style desserts for a more indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these fruitcake cookies in a decorative jar or tin tied with a ribbon for a charming gift. Arranging them on a holiday platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly adds a festive flair perfect for any gathering or party spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop a few cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. This will revive their soft, tender texture and make them taste just like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the nuts with something else?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or prefer a different texture, try using seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or simply leave the nuts out for a more classic fruitcake cookie experience.
What type of candied fruits work best?
Traditional candied cherries, pineapple, and citrus peel are fantastic. You can mix and match based on what you like or what you have on hand to customize the flavor and color.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gifting?
Definitely! Their festive look and rich flavor make them a perfect handmade gift that friends and family will appreciate during the holiday season or any special occasion.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it chilled for up to 24 hours before baking. This can even improve the flavor as the spices and fruits meld together.
How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, chilling the dough briefly before baking can help maintain their shape and keep them from spreading too thin.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe feels like passing on a treasured family secret. It’s simple, full of heartwarming flavors, and perfect for those moments when you want a little holiday magic any time of the year. Give these cookies a try and watch how quickly they become a beloved staple in your baking lineup. Happy baking!
Print
Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies blend the nostalgic flavors of traditional fruitcake into a soft, chewy cookie form. Packed with chopped candied fruits, raisins, and nuts, these cookies offer a delightful combination of texture and taste, perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped candied fruits (e.g., cherries, pineapple)
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients. Cream the softened butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, then add milk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until the dough comes together without overmixing.
- Fold in Fruits and Nuts. Gently fold in the chopped candied fruits, raisins or currants, and chopped pecans or walnuts. This will distribute the colorful and flavorful add-ins evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and Bake. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
- Cool and Serve. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart and helps them set perfectly.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or any preferred nuts based on your taste.
- For extra texture, lightly toast the nuts before folding them into the dough.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, ideally consuming within a week.
- For a festive touch, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking.
