The Best Fruitcake Cookies Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Sweet memories often dance around a classic fruitcake cookies recipe that surprises everyone with its rich, unexpected flavors.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through crisp winter afternoons when baking became pure magic.

Dried fruits nestled in buttery dough create little pockets of delightful sweetness that melt on your tongue.

Festive spices whisper stories of holiday gatherings and cozy moments shared with loved ones.

Each crumbly bite carries warmth and nostalgia, promising comfort in every single morsel.

Delicate textures and complex flavors invite you to savor these remarkable treats that transcend ordinary cookie expectations.

Let these extraordinary cookies become your new cherished tradition.

What Makes Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies Special

• Celebrate Holiday Traditions: These fruitcake cookies bring classic Christmas flavor directly to your cookie plate, capturing the nostalgic essence of traditional holiday baking.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Pack these cookies for family gatherings, gift them to neighbors, or enjoy as a sweet afternoon treat that appeals to multiple generations with their rich, festive taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Freeze the cookies for extended storage, allowing you to prepare them in advance and have delicious homemade treats ready whenever unexpected guests arrive or sweet cravings strike.

Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies Essentials

• Raisins: Sweet and chewy base for the cookie with natural fruity flavor.
• Candied Cherries: Bright and colorful fruit pieces that add festive touch.
• Candied Pineapple: Tangy and sweet tropical element for extra texture.
• Brazil Nuts: Rich and crunchy nutty component that provides depth.

• Shortening: Creamy base that helps create soft and tender cookies.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cookie browning and texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavor enhancer with warm aromatic notes.
• Almond Extract: Provides subtle nutty and sophisticated background flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for the cookie's body.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates light texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Fruitcake Cookie Instructions for Holiday Baking

Step 1: Prepare Colorful Fruit and Nut Medley

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in vibrant raisins, bright candied cherries, sunny candied pineapple, and crunchy chopped Brazil nuts.

Mix these ingredients together to create a festive fruit and nut blend that will make your cookies pop with flavor and texture.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Wet Base

In a large bowl, blend shortening and sugar until they transform into a smooth, fluffy cloud.

Pour in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then mix everything until perfectly combined and silky.

Step 3: Create Dry Ingredient Harmony

Take another bowl and whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together.

Ensure these dry ingredients are evenly blended and free of any lumps.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until they become a unified dough.

Gently fold in the prepared fruit and nut medley, making sure every bit of goodness is distributed evenly.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Cookie Rounds

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them on the sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie for them to spread and become beautiful.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes.

Watch for edges turning a gorgeous golden brown.

After baking, let cookies rest on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy

Tuck these delectable treats into an airtight container where they’ll stay fresh for a week.

For long-term enjoyment, these cookies freeze wonderfully, ensuring you can have a sweet treat anytime.

Fruitcake Cookie Fixes for Better Texture & Flavor

• Toss the chopped fruits and nuts in a light dusting of flour before adding to the cookie dough to keep them evenly distributed during baking.
• Soak the raisins in warm rum or orange juice for 30 minutes before mixing to enhance the cookies' rich, complex taste profile.
• Swap Brazil nuts with pecans, walnuts, or almonds to match personal preferences or dietary needs without compromising the cookie's texture.
• Let the baked cookies cool completely before storing to prevent softening and maintain their delightful crisp edges.
• Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop before baking.

Store Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness for up to 7 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Carefully wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve their original taste and consistency.
• Add a slice of bread to the storage container to help keep cookies soft and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly during storage.

Flavor Matches for Fruitcake Cookies

• Pair Spiced Rum Cocktail: Craft a warming spiced rum cocktail with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of orange liqueur to complement the rich fruitcake cookie flavors.
• Recommend Vanilla Chai Tea: Brew a creamy vanilla chai tea that echoes the cookie's sweet spices and provides a soothing, aromatic beverage experience.
• Serve Dark Roast Coffee: Pour a robust dark roast coffee with hints of chocolate and caramel to balance the cookie's fruity and nutty profile, creating a delightful taste harmony.
• Match Dessert Wine: Select a sweet dessert wine like port or muscatel, which mirrors the cookies' complex fruit and nut elements and enhances their festive character.

Fruitcake Cookies Unique Mix-Ins

• Gluten-Free Fruit Nut Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking soda and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Fruitcake Cookie Delight: Swap shortening with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select plant-based extracts. Choose organic dried fruits without animal-based processing.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Cookies: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the rich fruit flavor. Add extra nuts for natural sweetness and texture.
• Keto-Friendly Nutty Cookies: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, increase nut quantity, and minimize fruit content. Select low-carb fruits like raspberries or blackberries for minimal sugar impact.

FAQs

• What gives these fruitcake cookies their unique flavor?

The combination of raisins, candied cherries, candied pineapple, and Brazil nuts creates a rich, complex taste that mimics traditional fruitcake in a convenient cookie form.

• Are these cookies difficult to make for beginner bakers?

No, these cookies are straightforward and easy to prepare. The recipe involves simple mixing steps and basic ingredients that even novice bakers can successfully execute.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

You can swap Brazil nuts with pecans or walnuts, and adjust candied fruits based on availability. Just maintain similar proportions to keep the recipe’s balance.

• Why do the cookies need to cool on the baking sheet before transferring?

Cooling on the baking sheet for 5 minutes helps the cookies set and become firmer, preventing them from breaking when you transfer them to a wire rack.

Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 36 1x

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Description

Festive fruitcake cookies bring holiday cheer with their rich blend of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Delightful morsels packed with traditional flavors will make your celebration special and keep guests coming back for more.

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Ingredients

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Fruits and Nuts:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) raisins
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) candied cherries (red and green), coarsely chopped
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) candied pineapple, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Brazil nuts, coarsely chopped

Cookie Base Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) white sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) golden Crisco shortening
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

1. Macerate the dried and candied fruits along with Brazil nuts in a spacious mixing vessel, allowing the ingredients to mingle and soften, releasing their vibrant flavors and aromas.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to thoroughly blend shortening and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy cream with a silky texture, then incorporate the egg and both vanilla and almond extracts, whipping until completely homogeneous.
3. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring a uniform and lump-free dry ingredient base for the cookie dough.
4. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the creamy wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a cohesive dough, then tenderly fold in the prepared fruit and nut medley, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for cookie preparation.
6. Portion the dough using a tablespoon, creating rounded mounds and positioning them approximately two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown perimeter that signals perfect doneness, then allow them to rest on the baking sheet for a brief 5-minute cooling period.
8. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature, then store in an airtight container where they will remain fresh for up to one week, or freeze for extended preservation.

Notes

• Soak dried fruits beforehand in brandy or orange juice to enhance their moisture and add depth of flavor.
• Chop fruits and nuts uniformly to ensure consistent texture and even distribution throughout the cookie dough.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting some with honey or using less candied fruits for a healthier alternative.
• Gluten-free option works perfectly by replacing wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 36
• Calories: 165
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg