The Best Chewy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe for Holiday Magic

Sweet memories of holiday gatherings dance through my fruitcake cookies, packed with nostalgic flavors and unexpected textures.

Grandma’s cherished recipe inspired this delightful twist on a classic dessert.

Candied fruits and rich nuts create a harmonious blend that surprises every palate.

Warm spices whisper stories of cozy winter afternoons, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

Minimal effort brings maximum satisfaction with these irresistible treats.

Baking these cookies promises a delicious journey that connects generations through shared culinary joy.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start mixing right away.

Chewy Fruitcake Cookies—Packed With Holiday Cheer

• Savor Holiday Nostalgia: These cookies capture the classic fruitcake flavor in a portable, bite-sized treat that brings back warm memories of traditional family gatherings.
• Master Quick Baking: Simple mixing technique and straightforward ingredients make these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows you to swap or adjust fruits and nuts, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences or pantry ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Packed with rich flavors of candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices, these cookies are sure to be a hit at potlucks, holiday parties, and family celebrations.

Everything Needed for Soft, Chewy Fruitcake Cookies

• Butter: A creamy base that provides richness and helps bind the cookie ingredients together.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth of flavor and help create a chewy texture.
• Eggs: Binding agents that provide structure and moisture to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth to the cookie's taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their basic form.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: A flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Candied Fruit, Raisins, Nuts: Texture-adding ingredients that provide chewiness and bursts of flavor throughout the cookie.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that contribute a classic fruitcake-like flavor profile to the cookies.

Instructions for Baking Festive Fruitcake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Surface

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Cover baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and clean-up.

Step 2: Whip Butter And Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Use an electric mixer for best results.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs And Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend until completely combined.

Step 4: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gently fold dry ingredients into the creamy butter mixture, stirring until smooth.

Step 5: Add Fruity And Spicy Elements

• Chopped candied fruit
• Chopped nuts
• Raisins
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Drops

Use a tablespoon to scoop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets.

Leave small spaces between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for lightly browned edges as a sign of doneness.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for a few minutes.

Transfer to wire cooling racks until completely cool.

Serve and savor these delightful treats.

Tips for Chewy Fruitcake Cookies With Lots of Fruit

• Remove butter from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure smooth creaming and better cookie texture.
• Lightly dust chopped candied fruit and nuts with flour before adding to prevent sinking in the batter.
• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform cookies that bake consistently and look professional.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture and softness for several days.
• Enhance flavor by toasting nuts briefly before adding to the dough, which intensifies their nutty aroma and taste.

Fruitcake Cookie Variations With Extra Spice

• Gluten-Free Fruitcake Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, traditional flavor.
• Vegan Fruit Delight Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select plant-based candied fruits for a compassionate treat.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the classic fruitcake essence.
• Tropical Fruit Variation: Swap traditional candied fruits with dried mango, pineapple, and coconut to create a Caribbean-inspired cookie with bright, exotic flavors.

Serving Fruitcake Cookies During Holiday Gatherings

• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap these cookies in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbons, perfect for gifting during Christmas or family gatherings.
• Dessert Platter Pairing: Arrange cookies alongside hot cocoa, spiced tea, or mulled wine for a cozy winter treat that delights guests.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these fruitcake cookies on a decorative plate with cream cheese spread or alongside light custard for an elegant tea-time experience.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Include these cookies on a breakfast buffet with fresh fruits and coffee, offering a sweet morning indulgence with traditional holiday flavors.

Storing Fruitcake Cookies for Best Flavor

• Store cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag, and freeze for 2-3 months; thaw at room temperature for soft texture.
• Warm cookies on microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds at 50% power to maintain chewy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Leave frozen or refrigerated cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes to restore original softness and bring back delicious flavor.

FAQs

• What makes these cookies unique from traditional fruitcake?

These cookies capture the rich flavors of fruitcake in a portable, bite-sized treat without the dense texture of traditional fruitcake, making them easier to enjoy and share.

• Can I substitute the candied fruit with fresh fruit?

No, candied fruit is crucial for this recipe as it provides the right sweetness, texture, and preservation needed for the cookies to hold their shape and flavor.

• Are these cookies good for holiday gifting?

Absolutely! These cookies travel well, stay fresh for several days, and make wonderful homemade gifts that capture the festive spirit of classic fruitcake.

• How do I ensure the cookies stay chewy?

Don’t overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just lightly browned to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Chewy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful chewy fruitcake cookies blend traditional holiday flavors with modern cookie charm. Sweet dried fruits and warm spices create a nostalgic treat you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Sugars and Fats:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar

Mix-ins and Fruits:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped candied fruit
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup raisins

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even surface coverage.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and airy, creating a smooth base.
3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, then blend in vanilla extract, mixing until fully integrated.
4. Separately whisk flour, baking soda, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, stirring gently to maintain a soft, cohesive dough.
6. Gently fold candied fruit, chopped nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving modest spacing between cookies.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn golden brown and centers appear set.
9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 3-4 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to wire cooling racks for complete cooling.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create a more concentrated flavor profile.
• Swap traditional candied fruits with dried cranberries or apricots for a modern twist on the classic fruitcake cookie.
• Toast nuts before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the cookie texture.
• Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure even baking and prevent cookies from sticking to the pan.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg