Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

The holiday season is filled with traditions, and one of the most beloved (and sometimes controversial) treats is fruitcake. But what if you could enjoy all the delicious flavors of fruitcake in a smaller, more convenient bite? Enter old-fashioned fruitcake cookies. These cookies offer all the rich, fruity goodness of a classic fruitcake, but in a portable and bite-sized form. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or just a cozy treat by the fireplace, these cookies are bound to become a holiday staple.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these classic fruitcake cookies step by step. Not only that, but we’ll provide tips for success, health benefits, and answers to frequently asked questions about this festive cookie.

What Are Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies?

Old-fashioned fruitcake cookies are a delicious twist on the traditional fruitcake. While fruitcake can sometimes be heavy and dense, these cookies are light, flavorful, and packed with festive ingredients like candied cherries, candied pineapple, and golden raisins. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives them a cozy, holiday feel. Whether you love or hate fruitcake, these cookies might just win you over!

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

To make these cookies, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and holiday-inspired ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup chopped candied cherries
• 1 cup chopped candied pineapple
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped dates

These ingredients will give you the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors, with just the right texture to make your cookies stand out.

Ingredient Variations

If you want to customize your cookies, you can swap out some of the ingredients for alternatives:

• Nuts: Instead of pecans or walnuts, try almonds or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• Fruits: Not a fan of raisins? Substitute dried cranberries or apricots for a fun twist.
• Spices: You can adjust the spices to your liking by adding ginger or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.

Directions: Step-by-Step Guide

Making old-fashioned fruitcake cookies is a straightforward process, and you can have these treats ready in under an hour. Let’s break it down into simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving the perfect cookie texture. Next, add in the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. These spices are what give fruitcake cookies their signature holiday flavor. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, as that can lead to tough cookies.

Step 3: Fold in the Fruit and Nuts

Now it’s time to add the star ingredients—candied fruits and nuts. Gently fold in the chopped pecans (or walnuts), candied cherries, candied pineapple, raisins, and dates. Stir until all the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. You want the cookies to be soft in the center, so keep an eye on the baking time!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies can be enjoyed right away, but they taste even better the next day when the flavors have melded together.

Notes and Tips for Perfect Fruitcake Cookies

Here are a few tips to ensure your old-fashioned fruitcake cookies turn out perfectly:

• Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in a denser cookie.
• Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, make sure your spices are fresh. Ground spices lose potency over time, so if your cinnamon or nutmeg has been sitting in the cupboard for over a year, it’s time to replace them!
• Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Fruitcake Cookies

While these cookies are definitely a treat, there are some hidden health benefits thanks to the nuts and dried fruits. Pecans and walnuts are packed with heart-healthy fats, and dried fruits like raisins and dates offer a good source of fiber and antioxidants. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per cookie:

Nutrition Details

• Serving: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Vitamin A: 2%
• Calcium: 1%
• Iron: 4%

While these cookies contain a fair amount of sugar and fat, the fiber from the dried fruits and the healthy fats from the nuts make them a more balanced treat than other holiday cookies.

FAQs About Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

Final Thoughts

Old-fashioned fruitcake cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a traditional fruitcake in a more accessible and fun form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to friends and family, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Follow the tips above, and don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Happy baking!

By following this guide, you’ll not only make a delicious batch of cookies but also be well on your way to creating a festive favorite that’s loved for generations to come.

More Relevant Recipes

• Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
• Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies
• Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies

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