A delightful twist on a holiday classic, these fruitcake cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with warm spices, candied fruits, and crunchy nuts—perfect for festive gatherings or cozy winter treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unlike the dense, divisive traditional fruitcake, these cookies offer all the nostalgic flavors in a light, chewy, and utterly delicious form. They’re quick to prepare, perfect for gifting or snacking, and a wonderful way to use festive pantry ingredients like raisins and candied fruit.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup chopped candied fruit
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1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
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1 cup raisins
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
directions
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Preheat oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. -
Cream butter and sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. -
Add eggs and vanilla:
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined. -
Mix dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. -
Fold in mix-ins:
Stir in chopped candied fruit, nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed throughout the dough. -
Shape and bake:
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. -
Cool:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 36 cookies
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Preparation time: 20 minutes
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Cooking time: 12 minutes
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Total time: 32 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per cookie
Variations
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Chocolate twist: Add white or dark chocolate chips for an indulgent spin.
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Coconut flair: Mix in shredded coconut for extra texture and tropical notes.
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Boozy version: Soak raisins in rum or brandy for a more traditional fruitcake taste.
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Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
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Citrus zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, aromatic touch.
storage/reheating
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Storage:
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. -
Freezing:
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving. -
Reheating:
To revive freshness, warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought fruitcake mix?
Yes, pre-mixed fruitcake blends work well—just ensure no large pieces remain by chopping them down to cookie-size.
2. What’s the best nut to use in these cookies?
Pecans and walnuts are traditional, but almonds or hazelnuts can offer a delicious twist.
3. How do I keep these cookies soft?
Do not overbake. Remove them when edges are lightly browned and centers are still soft. They will continue baking on the hot sheet.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it in scoops for up to 3 months.
5. Can I skip the raisins or fruit?
Certainly—though they contribute to the fruitcake profile, these cookies are flexible and still delicious without them.
6. How do I ensure even baking?
Use parchment and rotate baking sheets halfway through. Bake one sheet at a time for best results.
7. Are these cookies overly sweet?
They’re moderately sweet; using both granulated and brown sugar balances moisture and caramel notes.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well—just ensure even mixing of the ingredients.
9. Are these good for gifting?
Absolutely. Their festive look and flavor make them perfect for holiday cookie boxes or party platters.
10. What’s the best way to shape them?
Use a medium cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon for even size and consistent baking.
Conclusion
Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies blend festive flavors with an irresistibly chewy texture. They transform a classic seasonal favorite into a modern cookie that’s perfect for holiday cheer, gift baskets, or sweet everyday moments. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate seasonal treat.
[tasty-recipe id=”19741″]