Are you ready to bring the joy of the holidays to your kitchen?
Get ready to discover the perfect blend of tradition and innovation with our fruit cake cookie recipes!
These delightful treats combine the rich, festive flavors of classic fruit cake in a fun, bite-sized cookie form.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, searching for the perfect homemade gift, or simply craving a sweet nibble with your afternoon tea, these fruit cake cookies are sure to hit the spot.
Why You Will Love These Fruit Cake Cookies
There’s so much to adore about these little bites of holiday cheer:
- Festive and Flavorful: Each cookie is infused with warm holiday spices and studded with colorful dried fruits, bringing the essence of the season to every bite.
- Easy to Make: Don’t let the idea of fruit cake intimidate you! These cookies capture all the same great taste without the fuss of a traditional cake.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re participating in a cookie swap, bringing treats to a party, or packaging up gifts for friends and neighbors, these cookies are ideal for spreading joy.
- Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to adjust the mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices to create your perfect fruit cake cookie.
“Baking is how you start kids at cooking in the kitchen. It’s fun whether it’s baking bread or cookies. With baking, you have to be exact when it comes to ingredients.” – Sandra Lee
Ingredients You Will Need
Let’s gather our ingredients to create these delectable fruit cake cookies:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Spices:
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- (Optional: 1/4 tsp allspice or ginger)
Dried Fruits & Nuts:
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (cherries, cranberries, raisins)
- 1/2 cup chopped dates or apricots
- 1/4 cup candied citrus peel
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds
Flavorings:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tbsp rum or brandy
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the baking process!
- Prep the Ingredients:
- If using, soak your dried fruits in rum or brandy for about 30 minutes. This optional step adds an extra layer of flavor to your fruit cake cookies.
- Chop your nuts and set them aside.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Fruits & Nuts:
- Gently stir in the soaked (or plain) dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough and allows the flavors to meld.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie with the palm of your hand.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fruit Cake Cookies
Take your fruit cake cookie game to the next level with these expert tips:
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze baked cookies and reheat them in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
- Boozy Cookies: For an adult version, add an extra tablespoon of rum or brandy to the dough itself.
- Decorating Ideas: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or a simple royal icing for an extra festive touch.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar slightly or opt for unsweetened dried fruits.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit cake cookies are delicious on their own, but why not elevate the experience? Try serving them with:
- A steaming cup of spiced tea or coffee
- A glass of cold milk (perfect for Santa!)
- A dollop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
Don’t forget to include these cookies on your holiday cookie platters or package them in decorative tins for heartfelt homemade gifts.
Storing and Freezing Tips
To keep your fruit cake cookies fresh and delicious:
- Storing: Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing:
- Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- For fresh-baked cookies anytime, freeze balls of dough on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Variations on Fruit Cake Cookies
Get creative with these tasty twists on the classic fruit cake cookie recipe:
- Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Cake Cookies:
- Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for an extra special treat.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add 1/2 tsp of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.
- Vegan Fruit Cake Cookies:
- Use a vegan butter substitute and replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and left to sit for 5 minutes).
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional value of one fruit cake cookie (based on a yield of 36 cookies):
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 40mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 2g |
Please note that these values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and any modifications to the recipe.
Conclusion
There you have it a delightful fruit cake cookie recipe that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home. These cookies capture all the festive flavors of the season in a convenient, shareable form.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, these cookies offer the perfect balance of fruit, spice, and everything nice.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fruit cake cookie recipes! Try different combinations of dried fruits, experiment with various nuts, or even add a chocolate drizzle. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own unique twist to this classic holiday treat.
We’d love to see your creations! Share photos of your fruit cake cookies on social media and tag us, or leave a comment below with your favorite variations. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with the sweet aroma of these delicious cookies!
FAQ
Q: Can I make these fruit cake cookies ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I know when the fruit cake cookies are done baking? A: Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.
Q: Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried in this recipe? A: While dried fruits are traditional in fruit cake cookie recipes, fresh fruits may add too much moisture. Stick to dried fruits for the best texture and longer shelf life.
Q: My cookies spread too much during baking. What went wrong? A: This could be due to warm dough or too little flour. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly and measure your flour correctly.
Q: How can I make these fruit cake cookies less sweet? A: Try reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup or using unsweetened dried fruits. You can also balance the sweetness by adding a bit more spice or a pinch of salt.