Name: Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – This is the key ingredient that adds richness and a mouthwatering texture to the cookies.; 1 cup granulated sugar – It not only sweetens the cookies but also contributes to their tender crumb.; 2 large eggs – These act as a binding agent, helping the cookies hold together while providing moisture.; 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of the cookie, giving it structure.; 1 teaspoon baking soda – This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.; 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Offering warmth, cinnamon enhances the overall flavor profile.; ½ teaspoon cloves – Adds a touch of aromatic spiciness.; ½ teaspoon nutmeg – This provides a warm, nutty flavor, contributing to the cookie’s festive essence.; ½ teaspoon salt – A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.; 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts – These nuts add a delicious crunch and richness to every bite.; 1 cup chopped candied cherries – These bring bursts of sweetness and a pop of color to the cookies.; 1 cup chopped candied pineapple – Adding a tropical twist, candied pineapple provides a cheerful flavor contrast.; ½ cup golden raisins – Their sweetness lends itself well to the other ingredients and adds a chewy texture.; ½ cup chopped dates – Dates offer natural sweetness and a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Description

Enjoy Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies—soft, spiced cookies packed with dried fruits and nuts. A festive treat perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – This is the key ingredient that adds richness and a mouthwatering texture to the cookies.
1 cup granulated sugar – It not only sweetens the cookies but also contributes to their tender crumb.
2 large eggs – These act as a binding agent, helping the cookies hold together while providing moisture.
2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of the cookie, giving it structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda – This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – Offering warmth, cinnamon enhances the overall flavor profile.
½ teaspoon cloves – Adds a touch of aromatic spiciness.
½ teaspoon nutmeg – This provides a warm, nutty flavor, contributing to the cookie’s festive essence.
½ teaspoon salt – A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts – These nuts add a delicious crunch and richness to every bite.
1 cup chopped candied cherries – These bring bursts of sweetness and a pop of color to the cookies.
1 cup chopped candied pineapple – Adding a tropical twist, candied pineapple provides a cheerful flavor contrast.
½ cup golden raisins – Their sweetness lends itself well to the other ingredients and adds a chewy texture.
½ cup chopped dates – Dates offer natural sweetness and a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Instructions

Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper; this helps prevent the cookies from sticking.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use either a hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream these together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the eggs: Incorporate 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully integrated.
Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon cloves, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Fold in the fruits and nuts: Use a spatula to gently fold in 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1 cup chopped candied cherries, 1 cup chopped candied pineapple, ½ cup golden raisins, and ½ cup chopped dates. This is where your cookies transform into a colorful mix of deliciousness!
Portion the dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough and place them onto the lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s about 2 inches of space between each dough ball.
Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
Cool and enjoy: Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for the full experience!