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Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

Tender and lightly spiced cookies filled with jewel-like fruit, perfect for holiday gifting or enjoying with tea.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookie dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract good quality
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup candied fruit mix choose soft and glossy pieces
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped finely optional
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the candied fruit and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
  7. If the dough is sticky, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly glossy.
  3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

For best flavor, let the cookies rest for a day before serving. They freeze well for up to 2 months. If you prefer, substitute dried fruit with a splash of orange juice to hydrate before using.