These Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies capture all the nostalgic flavors of classic fruitcake in a chewy, spiced, bite-sized treat. Packed with candied fruits, raisins, and nuts, these cookies are sweet, warmly spiced, and perfect for holiday gatherings—or anytime you want a comforting, flavorful cookie.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Classic flavors, simplified: All the charm of traditional fruitcake without the long baking time or dense texture.
- Chewy and spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bring warmth, while the fruits and nuts add a satisfying chew and crunch.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these cookies are a stress-free way to enjoy festive flavors.
- Customizable: Swap nuts, dried fruits, or add extra spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped candied fruits (e.g., cherries, pineapple)
- ½ cup raisins or currants
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla until fully combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in fruits and nuts: Gently fold in the candied fruits, raisins, and nuts until evenly distributed.
- Shape and bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a richer flavor.
- Different nuts: Swap pecans or walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts.
- Alternate dried fruits: Replace candied fruits with dried apricots, cranberries, or figs for a less sugary version.
- Nut-free: Simply omit the nuts—cookies are still flavorful and chewy.
Storage
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh the chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for a holiday cookie platter, a cozy tea-time snack, or gifting to friends and family. Pair with tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and nutty flavors in a quick and easy treat. Each chewy bite brings the nostalgia of traditional fruitcake in a more approachable, cookie-sized form.