Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful treat that brings back memories of holiday gatherings and cozy evenings. These cookies combine the flavors of the season with rich fruits and spices, making them a perfect choice for sharing or enjoying with a cup of warm tea. If you love comfort food like brown sugar cinnamon cookies, you will certainly enjoy these as well.
Why make this recipe
These cookies are an excellent way to introduce an old-fashioned twist to your holiday baking. They are chewy and filled with a wonderful assortment of dried fruits and nuts, creating a delightful texture that will keep everyone coming back for more. The addition of molasses and spices offers a complex flavor profile that is sure to warm your heart. You may also find Bakery Style Gingerbread Cookies useful.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped candied cherries
- 1/4 cup rum or brandy (optional)
How to make it
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and molasses; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the butter mixture until well mixed.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots, and candied cherries. If using, mix in the rum or brandy.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to help it firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before savoring these delicious treats!
How to serve it
These cookies are perfect for sharing during holiday parties or as a special treat with your morning coffee. Serve them on a decorative platter for a festive touch, and don’t forget to pair them with a cozy drink! You may also find Cherry Center Cookies With Chocolate Frosting useful.
How to store it
To keep your Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep well for up to three months. You may also find Chocolate Blossom Cookies useful.
Helpful tips
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to ensure the right texture.
- Chilling the dough is key to keeping the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- If you enjoy baking with chocolate, try adding some cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a delicious variation, similar to what you’ll find in chewy chocolate brownie cookies.
Optional variations
You can experiment by adding different nuts or dried fruits based on your personal preference. For instance, swapping in pecans for walnuts or including chopped dates can create a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
What can I substitute for rum or brandy?
You can simply omit the alcohol and still have flavorful cookies, or replace it with apple juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
It’s best to stick with dried fruit in this recipe, as fresh fruit has a high water content that can alter the texture and baking time of the cookies.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love during the festive season. If you’re looking for more delicious fruitcake cookie variations, consider exploring recipes like Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies, Grandma’s Fruitcake Cookies, or Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies. Additionally, for a chewy twist on holiday cookies, check out Fruitcake Cookies or try this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe. Enjoy baking!
Print
Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies filled with rich fruits and spices, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped candied cherries
- 1/4 cup rum or brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and molasses; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the butter mixture until well mixed.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots, and candied cherries. If using, mix in the rum or brandy.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 120 minutes to help it firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before savoring these delicious treats!
Notes
Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the right texture. Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading while baking.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: fruitcake cookies, holiday baking, cookie recipes, festive treats, dried fruits