Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are a classic holiday treat that brings the flavors of traditional fruitcake into the form of bite-sized cookies. These rich and flavorful cookies are packed with candied fruit, nuts, and warm spices, making them a perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. They’re easy to prepare and provide a delightful taste of the season in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
• 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
3. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Add Fruit and Nuts: Stir in the chopped candied fruit and nuts, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape Cookies: Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 3 dozen cookies

Variations

• Spices: For a different flavor profile, you can adjust the spices used. Try adding ground ginger or allspice for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• Nuts: You can use any combination of nuts that you prefer, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, depending on your taste.
• Fruit: If you want a more colorful version, try using a variety of candied fruits, or add dried fruits like raisins or currants for a more traditional fruitcake feel.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are fully cooled before sealing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy them warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of regular butter? Yes, unsalted butter can be used in this recipe, but you may need to adjust the salt content slightly, depending on your preference.
2. Can I make these cookies without candied fruit? Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute candied fruit with dried fruit like raisins, currants, or chopped dates for a less sugary, but still fruity, alternative.
3. How can I make these cookies more festive? You can add red and green colored sugar crystals or sprinkles to the tops of the cookies before baking, or even drizzle them with white chocolate after they have cooled.
4. Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe? Yes, a stand mixer is perfect for creaming the butter and sugar, as well as mixing the dough, making the process a bit faster.
5. Can I substitute the spices in this recipe? Yes, if you prefer a different spice mix, you can substitute the cinnamon and nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice or allspice for a new flavor.
6. Do I need to chill the dough? No, you do not need to chill the dough before baking. The dough can be used immediately after mixing.
7. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake the frozen dough directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
8. What is the best way to store fruitcake cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them to keep them fresh for longer periods.
9. Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for regular all-purpose flour. Be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking.
10. What can I do if the dough is too sticky to handle? If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies. This will make it easier to scoop and form.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies bring the festive flavors of fruitcake into a more accessible and fun cookie form. With a combination of sweet candied fruit, crunchy nuts, and aromatic spices, these cookies are a perfect treat for the holidays. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to be a favorite this holiday season.

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