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Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies
Alyssa

Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

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

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.

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add the eggs: Incorporate 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully integrated.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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!