The holidays are the perfect time for baking, and if you’re looking for a festive treat with a bit of tradition, these Fruitcake Cookies are exactly what you need. Combining the rich flavors of candied fruit, raisins, and spices, these cookies bring the essence of a classic fruitcake in a bite-sized, cookie form. With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings!

Why You’ll Love These Fruitcake Cookies:

Festive Flavors: These cookies are packed with the delicious tastes of candied fruit, raisins, and a hint of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Chewy and Soft: The combination of butter and brown sugar creates a soft and chewy texture that’s perfect for snacking.
Perfect for the Holidays: Whether for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or a family treat, these cookies are the ideal festive dessert.
Easily Customizable: Feel free to swap out nuts or fruit based on what you have on hand or your personal preference.

Ingredients for Fruitcake Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup chopped candied fruit (like cherries, pineapple, or mixed fruit)
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well)
1 cup raisins
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for a touch of flavor.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, blending well but not over-mixing.
Stir in the Fruit, Nuts, and Spices:
Add the chopped candied fruit, chopped nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the dough. Stir until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop and Bake:
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Be sure to space the cookies about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Cool the Cookies:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Fruitcake Cookies:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, and use fresh eggs and spices for the best flavor.
Customize Your Fruit: Feel free to adjust the ratio of candied fruit or raisins based on your preference. You can even use dried cranberries or apricots if you prefer.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer thicker cookies, you can chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This can also help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Storage: These cookies store well! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and save them for later.

Why These Fruitcake Cookies are a Must-Try:

These Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic holiday fruitcake. With a chewy, soft texture and a combination of sweet and spiced flavors, they offer all the festive goodness of fruitcake without the work of slicing a traditional cake. Whether you’re baking for yourself or gifting these cookies to loved ones, they’re a perfect treat for any holiday celebration.

So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake these delicious fruitcake cookies that will fill your home with the scents of the season and bring joy to all who taste them!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out, or tag me on social media with your creations! Looking for more gluten-free inspiration? Check out my Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle Cookies and Gluten-Free Buttermilk Biscuits for more ideas.