Step back in time with these Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies, a delightful twist on the traditional holiday fruitcake. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of brandy, these cookies bring all the classic flavors of fruitcake into a portable, cookie form. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot tea or coffee, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to your festive celebrations.
Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Every Bite
These fruitcake cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a festive celebration of the holiday season, combining rich flavors and aromatic spices that have been cherished for generations.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fruitcake Cookies
- Creaming Method: Ensure your butter and brown sugar are well-creamed to create a light and fluffy base. This helps the cookies rise better and have a tender texture.
- Uniform Pieces: Chop the nuts and dried fruits into uniform sizes to ensure each cookie has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
- Brandy Addition: The brandy not only adds a rich depth of flavor but also enhances the fruits’ natural sweetness. For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute orange juice or apple juice.
- Spice Mix: The combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg offers a warming spice profile that is quintessentially holiday. Adjust the spices according to your preference if desired.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. Remove them when the edges just start to turn golden to avoid overbaking.
Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-18 minutes
- Serving: Makes approximately 36 cookies
- Equipment: Baking sheets, parchment paper, mixing bowls
A festive recipe perfect for creating holiday memories.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1 cup candied citrus peel
Directions:
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the brandy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and spices.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until well incorporated.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Fold in the walnuts, raisins, dried cherries, dried apricots, and candied citrus peel.
- Form Cookies: Drop the mixture by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
A Sweet Conclusion
These Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the holidays, offering a delicious blend of fruits, spices, and textures that embody the spirit of the season. Serve them at your next holiday party or package them up for a thoughtful and tasty gift. Enjoy the rich, complex flavors that make these cookies a festive favorite year after year.
