If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that perfectly captures the warmth of holiday baking, the Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delightful cookies bring together the rich, spiced flavors of a traditional fruitcake but in a convenient, handheld form that’s delightfully chewy and packed with festive candied fruits, dates, and crunchy nuts. They’re a charming blend of soft, buttery dough and fruity bursts that will instantly transport you to cozy family gatherings and joyful celebrations. Once you try this Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe, you’ll understand why these cookies have stood the test of time and remain a beloved classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome, and absolutely essential—each ingredient for the Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the creamy butter that gives these cookies their tender crumb to the aromatic spices that awaken your senses, every component adds a special touch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture that keep the cookies chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder while enriching the dough.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Keeps the dough soft and helps in achieving the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, sweet background flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies, offering structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps your cookies rise just right.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic spice warmth we love in fruitcake.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances flavor depth with a subtle nutty spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 2 cups chopped mixed candied fruit: Provides bursts of colorful sweetness and that traditional fruitcake vibe.
- 1 cup chopped dates: Adds natural sweetness and a luscious chewiness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Contributes crunch and a buttery, nutty flavor.
How to Make Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get everything nice and warm. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also helps your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and full of creamy goodness. This step is key because it whips air into the dough, resulting in a lighter texture in your finished cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Milk, and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then stir in the milk and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients give life to your dough and add that irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This combination is the secret to the warm, spicy undertone that makes these cookies so special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until everything comes together—overmixing can toughen your cookies, so keep it tender and soft.
Step 6: Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Now comes the fun part! Fold in the chopped candied fruit, dates, and nuts, ensuring these goodies are evenly spread through the dough, so every cookie bursts with delightful flavors and textures.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown while the centers remain soft and chewy.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling stage helps the cookies set perfectly without losing their moisture.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe experience by dusting the tops lightly with powdered sugar or adding a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a festive touch. A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts on top can also give an inviting crunch and added visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or rich coffee to compliment the spicy and fruity notes. They also pair beautifully with mulled wine or hot cocoa, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter afternoons.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, arrange the cookies in a beautiful tin lined with parchment paper and tied with a colorful ribbon—instantly turning your homemade creation into a thoughtful holiday present. Alternatively, try stacking them with layers of wax paper to maintain freshness and create an irresistible display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, allowing the flavors to mature beautifully while staying soft and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months and thaw quickly when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked warmth, gently warm the cookies in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This step brings out their fragrant spices and soft texture, making every bite taste as good as the first day.
FAQs
Can I soak the candied fruit before adding it?
Absolutely! Soaking the candied fruit in rum or orange juice for a few hours—or even overnight—adds a wonderful depth of flavor that makes the cookies even more festive and moist.
Can I substitute nuts if I have allergies?
Yes, you can swap pecans or walnuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or simply omit nuts altogether. The cookies will still be delicious because of the candied fruit and spices.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely. This recipe contains no meat or gelatin products, making it perfectly vegetarian-friendly and ideal for sharing with a wide range of guests.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free fruitcake cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep an eye on the dough consistency, adjusting as needed with a splash of milk.
How long do the cookies improve in flavor?
Like traditional fruitcakes, these cookies taste even better after resting for one to two days. This waiting time allows the spices and fruit flavors to meld, giving you that authentic old-fashioned taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe—they’re like a bite-sized celebration of holiday tradition and cozy flavors wrapped into one delightful cookie. I encourage you to whisk up a batch, share them with loved ones, and make new memories. Once you experience the perfect harmony of tender dough, sweet fruits, and warm spices, these cookies will become a cherished part of your baking repertoire.
Print
Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic holiday fruitcake, combining moist, spiced cookie dough loaded with candied fruit, chopped dates, and nuts. These cookies offer rich flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with a soft texture and a festive look, perfect for holiday baking and gift-giving.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 2 cups chopped mixed candied fruit
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the 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 brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth cookie base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract to add moisture and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold the chopped candied fruit, dates, and nuts into the dough for even distribution of sweet and crunchy elements.
- Portion the Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating the cookies are cooked through.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
Notes
- Soaking the candied fruit in rum or orange juice before mixing enhances the flavor and moistness of the cookies.
- These cookies develop deeper flavor after resting for a day or two, making them ideal for preparing ahead.
- Perfect for holiday gift-giving due to their festive look and nostalgic taste.
