Description
These Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies combine the rich flavors of traditional fruitcake with the comforting texture of a soft cookie. Packed with candied fruit, nuts, and raisins, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies are a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a chewy, flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Mix-ins
- 1 cup chopped candied fruit
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to aerate the batter for a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even mixing, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated to add depth of flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet creamed butter mixture to form the cookie dough, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Fruit and Nuts: Stir in the chopped candied fruit, nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
- 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 the edges are lightly browned, indicating the cookies are baked through but still chewy.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to set before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, which helps maintain their chewy texture.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake by reducing baking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Use your favorite mix of nuts like walnuts or pecans according to preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy for up to one week.
- These cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
