If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines rich, fruity flavors with a satisfyingly chewy texture, look no further than this Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the essence of traditional fruitcake but deliver it in a modern, irresistibly soft cookie form that’s perfect all year round. Bursting with colorful candied fruit, crunchy nuts, and warm spices, they’re a heartwarming snack or dessert that friends and family will rave about every time you bake them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these cookies lies in a few simple, well-chosen ingredients that each contribute something special—whether it’s texture, flavor, or aroma. Once you gather these basics, you’re ready to create something truly marvelous.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Provides richness and helps create a tender, chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps cookies brown evenly.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor for chewiness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together while adding structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Creates the base of the dough, providing body and texture.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread just enough, keeping them soft.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- Chopped candied fruit (1 cup): Adds bursts of colorful sweetness and classic fruitcake character.
- Chopped nuts (1 cup): Choose pecans or walnuts for crunch and earthy flavor contrast.
- Raisins (1 cup): Plump and juicy, they bring extra chew and depth of flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Warms the spice profile with a cozy touch.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle complexity and festive warmth.
How to Make Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your dough is ready. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key—it incorporates air that helps your cookies rise slightly while keeping them tender and chewy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the two eggs one at a time. This gradual incorporation ensures an even, smooth dough. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely, fragrant depth that fills your kitchen and palate alike.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture. Doing this slowly prevents over-mixing and keeps your cookies soft and chewy.
Step 5: Stir in Fruits, Nuts, and Spices
Now comes the fun part—fold in the chopped candied fruit, nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This colorful blend distributes evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every bite bursts with the classic flavors of a traditional fruitcake but in cookie form.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them out evenly to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for the edges turning lightly brown. The cookies should still look soft in the center—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly and keeps the chewy texture intact.
How to Serve Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra sparkle, dust these cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. A small sprinkle of finely chopped candied fruit on top before baking can also make for a pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. During festive seasons, serving alongside mulled wine or spiced cider brings out their warm spice notes and enhances the whole cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your fruitcake cookies on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine for a beautiful winter-themed platter. Wrapping small stacks in parchment paper tied with ribbon makes for perfect homemade gifts that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay soft and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last up to a week without losing their chewy charm, making them great for baking a batch in advance for gatherings or treats throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they maintain their quality for up to three months — perfect for planning ahead during busy holiday seasons.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies freshly baked again, simply warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives their softness and enhances the fruity aromas beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the candied fruit?
Absolutely! If you prefer, dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even finely chopped dried cherries work wonderfully and offer different but equally delicious flavor profiles.
What nuts work best for this recipe?
Pecans and walnuts are classic choices due to their slightly sweet, buttery flavor and crunch, which complement the chewy fruit perfectly. However, feel free to experiment with almonds or hazelnuts if you like!
Are these cookies gluten-free?
As written, no. But you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be mindful that the texture may vary slightly.
How do I make sure my cookies stay chewy?
Don’t over-bake them! Pull your cookies out once the edges begin to turn golden and the centers still look soft. They will firm up as they cool while remaining chewy and tender.
Can I add other spices?
Definitely! Feel free to add a pinch of cloves, ginger, or allspice to play up the festive spice notes. Just add sparingly so the flavors stay balanced and harmonious.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe. It brings the timeless charm of fruitcake into a cookie that’s easier to enjoy anytime you want a sweet, comforting bite. Trust me, once you bake your first batch, these chewy, flavor-packed cookies will become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional fruitcake, offering a chewy texture packed with candied fruit, nuts, and warm spices. Perfectly balanced with soft butter and sugars, they bake to golden perfection with just a hint of spice in every bite. Ideal for holiday treats or any time you crave a festive, flavorful cookie.
Ingredients
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 ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in the chopped candied fruit, nuts, raisins, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to incorporate all the flavorful ingredients evenly through the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges are lightly browned.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to set, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely, which prevents sogginess and helps them firm up.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with sugars.
- For an extra chewy texture, slightly underbake the cookies by baking closer to 10 minutes.
- Feel free to substitute nuts with your favorite variety or omit for a nut-free option.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help control spread during baking and intensify flavors.
