Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

Savor the Holiday Magic of Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

Transform your holiday baking with these delightful Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies, a perfect blend of traditional fruitcake flavors in a convenient cookie form. If you love classic holiday treats like our Christmas Cracker Candy, these cookies will surely become a new favorite.

These buttery, fruit-studded delights bring warmth and nostalgia to any gathering, making them perfect for holiday gifting or enjoying alongside a steaming cup of coffee. Much like our beloved Christmas Baklava, these cookies carry the essence of holiday tradition in every bite.

Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies: A Time-Honored Holiday Treat

These Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies transform the classic holiday cake into charming, portable treats. While you might enjoy our Mini Pecan Tarts during the season, these cookies offer a unique twist on holiday baking, combining the richness of dried fruits with the warmth of traditional spices.

The beauty of these Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies lies in their versatility – they're perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, afternoon tea, or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Like our popular Cranberry Shortbread Bars, they embody the spirit of holiday baking with every sweet, spiced bite.

Pro Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies:

1. Perfect Butter Temperature: Begin with butter at room temperature for optimal creaming. This ensures your cookies have the ideal texture and rise properly.
2. Fruit Preparation: Chop dried fruits to uniform sizes and toss them in a tablespoon of flour before mixing. This prevents them from sinking and ensures even distribution.
3. Spice Balance: Mix your spices thoroughly with the dry ingredients for consistent flavor throughout each cookie.
4. Storage Success: Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. These cookies actually improve with age, developing deeper flavors over the first few days.
5. Gift Presentation: Package in decorative tins lined with parchment paper for a beautiful holiday gift that stays fresh longer.

Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 15-18 minutes
• Servings: 36 cookies
• Equipment: Baking sheets, parchment paper, mixing bowls, electric mixer

Creating these Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies brings the joy of traditional holiday baking right into your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ¼ cup brandy (or apple juice for non-alcoholic version)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1 cup candied citrus peel

Directions:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Create the Base: Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in brandy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and spices in a separate bowl.
4. Mix the Dough: Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
5. Add the Fruits: Fold in walnuts, raisins, cherries, apricots, and candied citrus peel until evenly distributed.
6. Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place in preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool and Store: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

A Sweet Holiday Tradition

These Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies aren't just treats; they're a celebration of holiday baking traditions. Like our Christmas Eggnog Bread, they fill your home with festive aromas and bring joy to every holiday gathering.

Storage Solutions:

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

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