When you think of holiday treats, what comes to mind? For many, fruitcake is a classic that evokes thoughts of gatherings, family, and joy. However, some people find traditional fruitcake a bit too dense or unfamiliar. That’s where the Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie comes in! These delightful cookies capture the essence of fruitcake but come in a light, chewy, and fun-to-eat package. They are perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying with a warm cup of tea.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will fall in love with the Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie for many reasons. First, these cookies are bursting with flavors from candied fruits and nuts, making each bite a delightful surprise. Second, they are easy to make and require simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. This recipe is not only about flavor; It’s also about the memories that come with baking. As you mix the ingredients and bake these cookies, you’ll be transported back to holiday seasons gone by, where family and friends come together to celebrate. Lastly, these cookies are versatile. You can serve them at holiday parties, pack them as gifts, or simply enjoy them as a treat for yourself.

How to Prepare Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie

Making Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies is a simple and rewarding process. Below, we’ve outlined the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions to guide you through baking these delightful cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup candied cherries, chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup diced candied pineapple
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these together until they are well combined.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.

6. Fold in the Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped candied cherries, raisins, diced candied pineapple, and walnuts or pecans. Be careful not to over-mix.

7. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.

8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers look set.

9. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

   
   

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie

Serving Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies is simple. You can place them on a decorative plate and serve them at holiday parties, family gatherings, or even with afternoon tea. They also make for a thoughtful gift when packed in a cute box or tin. If you like, you can even drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for an extra special touch.

How to Store Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie

To keep your Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about one week. If you want to keep them for a more extended period, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, allow them to thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.

Tips for Preparing Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie

1. Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor and texture of your cookies will depend on the quality of the ingredients used. Try to use fresh eggs, real butter, and high-quality dried fruits.

2. Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of chewy.

3. Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

4. Mix and Match Fruits: Feel free to experiment with different types of candied fruits and nuts. If you love dried cranberries or macadamia nuts, swap them in!

   
   

Variations

While the Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie recipe is delightful as is, you can certainly make variations. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Chocolate Chip Addition: Add semi-sweet or white chocolate chips into the dough for a rich, sweet touch.
• Spiced Fruitcake Cookies: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a spiced flavor profile. This can be especially delicious during the colder months.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Using fresh fruit may lead to a very different texture and moisture content in your cookies. It’s best to use candied or dried fruit to keep the cookies chewy and well-formed.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and proceed with the baking instructions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are an easy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic holiday dessert. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying yourself. With their sweet bites of candied fruit and chewy texture, these cookies bring back warm memories and add to the joy of the season. So why not try making them today? Happy baking!