Print

Best Ever Chewy Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

A stack of chewy fruitcake cookies loaded with candied fruit and nuts, resting on a white plate near a window.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Capture the nostalgic, warm spice flavor of traditional fruitcake in these unbelievably chewy, easy-to-make cookies. Packed with candied fruit and pecans, they are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie trays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup candied mixed fruit, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup orange juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Stir in the chopped candied fruit, pecans, and orange juice until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft for a chewy texture.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For an extra festive look, you can lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving or gifting.
  • If you prefer a stronger flavor, soak the candied fruit in 1 tablespoon of brandy or dark rum for 30 minutes before adding it to the dough.
  • These cookies freeze well. Place cooled cookies in an airtight container separated by wax paper and freeze for up to three months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbymia.com/fruitcake-cookies-best-chewy-old-fashioned-recipe/