Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies
These delightful old-fashioned fruitcake cookies combine rich flavors of dried fruits and nuts with a hint of spices, creating a festive treat that embodies the cozy spirit of the holidays.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 0.75 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cups brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 cup diced mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 0.5 cups candied orange peel, chopped (optional)
- 0.5 cups shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes using a hand mixer).
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the diced mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, and optional ingredients like candied orange peel and shredded coconut.
Baking
- Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after removing them from the oven.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Notes
To enhance flavor, use high-quality dried fruits and nuts. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking for better shape retention. Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to maintain freshness. They can also be frozen for up to three months.