Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie

Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie : the holidays are a special time of year, filled with joy, love, and of course, delicious treats. Among these treats, there is one baked delight that truly stands out: the Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie. This cookie is a delightful twist on the classic fruitcake. It is packed with flavor and nostalgia, making it the perfect addition to your holiday baking list. With its vibrant bursts of candied fruits and warm spices, this cookie is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie for many reasons. First, it proves that fruitcake is not just a holiday dessert that people joke about—when made into cookie form, it becomes a fun and delicious treat that everyone can enjoy.

Second, the recipe is simple to follow, allowing even novice bakers to whip up these scrumptious cookies without any fuss. Each bite is bursting with colorful candied fruits, which brings various textures and flavors to the table. Finally, these cookies are perfect not just for holiday gatherings but also for cookie exchanges or just relaxing afternoons with a cup of tea or coffee. They capture the essence of the holiday season in every bite.

How to Prepare Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie

Preparing Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies is easy and fun. Here’s how you can create this delightful treat in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups mixed candied fruit (such as cherries, pineapples, and citrus)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
• 1 cup raisins or currants

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until it is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, combining until just incorporated. Make sure not to overmix.
6. Fold in the Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the mixed candied fruit, chopped nuts, and raisins (or currants) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Now, your Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

Serving Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies is simple and delightful. You can arrange them on a festive platter and serve them alongside other holiday treats. For an extra touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the cookies before serving.

You could also package them in decorative boxes as gifts for family and friends. Include a small note sharing the recipe or the story behind these cookies for a personal touch. They are best enjoyed with a hot beverage, like tea, coffee, or even warm apple cider.

How to Store Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

To keep your Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you plan to eat them within a week, they can be stored at room temperature. However, if you want to keep them for a longer time, you can refrigerate them.

For even longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just let them thaw at room temperature.

Tips for Preparing Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients, especially dried or candied fruits, plays a critical role in enhancing the flavor of your cookies.
2. Experiment with Fruits and Nuts: Feel free to change the types of fruits and nuts in your recipe. You can experiment with dried apricots, cranberries, or even different nut varieties, depending on your preference.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients and the fruits and nuts.
4. Test for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
5. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. This ensures they don’t become soggy.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, you can try adding chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist. Another variation is to add a splash of rum or brandy to the mixture, which will enhance the flavors and give them an adult touch.

You could also make these cookies more festive by drizzling a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk on top once they’re cooled. This not only adds sweetness but also a lovely decorative touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh fruits instead of candied fruits?

While you can use fresh fruits, it’s best to stick with dried or candied fruits for this recipe. Fresh fruits contain more moisture and could alter the texture of your cookies. Dried fruits also add a concentrated flavor that complements the spices beautifully.

2. What can I use if I don’t have nuts?

If you’re allergic to nuts or simply prefer not to use them, you can leave them out or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You can also replace them with more dried fruits or chocolate chips for added sweetness.

3. How do I make the cookies chewy instead of crunchy?

To make your Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies chewier, you can slightly underbake them, allowing them to stay softer in the center. Another way is to add a little extra brown sugar, which helps retain moisture.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are more than just a holiday treat; they are a holiday tradition that offers comfort, joy, and delicious flavors. With their simple preparation and nostalgic taste, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them by yourself, they are sure to make your holiday season even brighter.

Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies!