Are you looking for a delightful twist on traditional fruitcake? Our Fruit Cake Cookies recipe is the perfect blend of chewy, sweet, and nutty flavors that will elevate your holiday baking game. Whether you’re preparing for Christmas, birthdays, or any special gathering, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, with our easy-to-follow instructions and customizable options, you can make these cookies uniquely yours!
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (281g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (110g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped dates (pitted)
- 1 cup chopped red candied cherries (1 8oz pkg)
- 1 cup chopped green candied cherries (1 8oz pkg)
- 1 cup chopped candied pineapple (1 8oz pkg)
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars In a medium mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl once during mixing to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Fold in Mix-Ins Gently fold in the chopped dates, red and green candied cherries, candied pineapple, pecans, and walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Shape Using a heaping tablespoon, scoop the dough and place it on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Bake one sheet at a time for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly shiny.
- Cool Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. For an extra festive touch, you can also make them ahead to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips and Customizations
- Shape the Cookies: After baking, gently press a large round cookie cutter around the edges of each cookie to create a perfect circular shape.
- Add Other Mix-Ins: Enhance the flavor by adding warming spices like ground cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. You can also experiment with different dried fruits such as golden raisins, apricots, figs, or crystallized ginger.
- Perfect for Gifting: These Christmas sugar cookies make wonderful gifts. Consider packaging them in decorative tins or boxes for a personalized touch.
Why You’ll Love These Fruit Cake Cookies
Our Fruit Cake Cookies offer the rich, comforting flavors of traditional fruitcake in a convenient, bite-sized form. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, festive parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening. Plus, their versatile nature allows you to tailor them to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
2. How can I store fruit cake cookies to keep them fresh longer?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans and walnuts with your favorite nuts such as almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
4. Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Fruit Cake Cookies are suitable for vegetarians as they do not contain any meat products. However, always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary preferences.
5. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe for a healthier option?
Yes, you can reduce the granulated sugar and brown sugar by up to 25% without significantly affecting the texture or flavor. Additionally, consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup as alternatives.
Enjoy baking these delightful Fruit Cake Cookies and make your celebrations even sweeter! Don’t forget to explore more of our holiday recipes to find the perfect treats for every occasion.
