If you have a soft spot for classic holiday flavors packed into a delightful bite, you are going to adore this Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies Recipe. It takes all the rich, fruity goodness of traditional fruitcake but transforms it into an irresistibly chewy, nut-studded cookie that’s perfect any time of year. Whether you’re looking to add some festive spirit to your cookie jar or simply want a new favorite to share with friends, these cookies combine the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty in every morsel. Trust me, once you try this Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies Recipe, it will become a recipe you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these cookies just right means starting with simple yet essential ingredients that work together to create that perfect texture and brilliant flavor. From creamy butter that gives softness to the dough, to the vibrant mixed candied fruit and crunchy nuts adding festive color and delightful bites, every item is a must-have to bring this recipe to life.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture for a tender cookie texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crisp around the edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavor layers with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies flavor complexity.
- 2 cups mixed candied fruit: Gives that classic fruitcake character—colorful and bursting with sugary fruitiness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds crunch and a toasty depth of flavor.
How to Make Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and come off cleanly after baking. This small prep step will save you so much hassle later on.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, setting the stage for cookies that aren’t just dense but have a lovely tender crumb.
Step 3: Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this by mixing in the vanilla extract—it’s a small but mighty ingredient that brings warmth and depth to the dough.
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures your leavening and salt are evenly distributed, preventing uneven pockets in the dough.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your creamed mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so be gentle and stop when everything is well incorporated.
Step 6: Folding in Fruit and Nuts
Now for the best part—gently fold in the mixed candied fruit and chopped nuts until they’re evenly scattered throughout the dough. This adds that classic fruitcake look and gives you delicious surprises in every bite.
Step 7: Baking the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow room for spreading. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges turn a light golden brown.
Step 8: Cooling
Once baked, let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This helps them set up so they don’t fall apart when you move them. After that, transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Patience here truly pays off for the perfect texture!
How to Serve Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to take presentation up a notch, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate to enhance the festive feel. Adding a few whole nuts or candied cherries on top before baking also creates a delightful, homemade charm.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a cozy glass of mulled wine. Their fruity and nutty flavors balance the warmth of your favorite beverages and make excellent afternoon treats or holiday party snacks.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruits, or package them in a decorative tin tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Layering them between sheets of wax paper keeps them fresh and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep these cookies fresh and flavorful, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them easy to grab for a quick snack or unexpected guest.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies Recipe later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies maintain their quality for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm frozen or refrigerated cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back their freshly baked softness and reawakens the lovely aromas that make these cookies so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Pecans and walnuts are great choices, but feel free to experiment with almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Is it okay to substitute dried fruit for the candied fruit?
While dried fruit can work, it won’t provide the same vibrant sweetness and texture that mixed candied fruit offers. If you prefer dried fruit, soak it briefly in warm water or juice to soften it before folding into the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You sure can. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, which can even improve the flavor as it allows the spices and fruit to meld beautifully.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Make sure your butter is softened and not melted, and chill the dough slightly if it seems too soft. Also, spacing the dough balls at least 2 inches apart helps maintain their shape.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes! These charming fruitcake cookies make wonderful handmade gifts. Pack them in decorative tins or boxes for a personal and festive touch that everyone will appreciate.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies Recipe enough if you want to capture holiday nostalgia in cookie form. It’s a joyous blend of flavors that’s easy to make yet feels special enough for any occasion. So go ahead, bake a batch and watch these cookies become a beloved tradition in your kitchen!
Print
Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional fruitcake, featuring a tender buttery dough packed with sweet mixed candied fruit and crunchy nuts. Perfectly baked until lightly golden at the edges, these cookies offer a festive treat with a soft, chewy texture and a burst of fruity and nutty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups mixed candied fruit
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together with no visible streaks of flour.
- Fold in Candied Fruit and Nuts: Gently fold the mixed candied fruit and chopped nuts into the dough, ensuring they are evenly incorporated without overmixing.
- Form Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown, signaling the cookies are cooked through but still tender inside.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, helping them set and achieve the perfect texture.
Notes
- For a different nut option, walnuts can be substituted for pecans according to preference.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Make sure to space cookies well on the baking sheet to avoid them merging during baking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- For a more intense fruit flavor, soak candied fruit in a tablespoon of rum or orange juice before folding into the dough (optional).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
