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Best Ever Chewy Fruitcake Cookies

A stack of freshly baked fruitcake cookies loaded with colorful candied fruit, resting on a white plate.
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Capture all the nostalgic, warm spice flavor of traditional fruitcake in these unbelievably chewy, easy-to-make cookies. Packed with candied fruit and nuts, these fruitcake cookies 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 or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup brandy or orange juice (optional, for soaking fruit)

Instructions

  1. If using brandy or orange juice, soak the chopped candied fruit for at least 30 minutes. Drain any excess liquid before using.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the drained candied fruit and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can gently press the tops slightly with a fork if you prefer a flatter cookie.
  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 dip the cooled cookies halfway into melted white chocolate or drizzle them with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
  • These make fantastic make ahead holiday treats; store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • If you want a deeper fruitcake flavor, soak the fruit overnight in a dark rum instead of brandy or orange juice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/fruitcake-cookies-easy-chewy-holiday-recipe/