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
Scale
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.
