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Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

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Introduction

Take a festive spin on the classic fruitcake with these Chewy Fruitcake Cookies! Perfectly spiced and bursting with candied fruit, raisins, and nuts, these cookies are soft, chewy, and irresistibly decadent. Whether for holiday cookie swaps or cozy family gatherings, they’re a surefire hit that even non-fruitcake fans will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A Modern Twist on Fruitcake

Delivers all the flavors of traditional fruitcake in a delightful cookie form.

2. Perfect for Sharing

Makes 36 cookies, ideal for gifting or entertaining.

3. Easy to Customize

Swap or mix up the fruits, nuts, or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Mix-Ins

  • 1 cup chopped candied fruit
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
  • 1 cup raisins
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

  1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
    • Flour
    • Baking soda
    • Salt
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Mix-Ins

  1. Stir in the candied fruit, nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ensure the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

  1. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

  1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
  2. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Hot Drinks: Pair these cookies with hot cocoa, spiced tea, or coffee for a cozy treat.
  • Holiday Platters: Add them to a holiday cookie platter for a colorful and flavorful addition.
  • Gifting Idea: Pack them in festive tins or jars for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Pro Tips

1. Choose Quality Candied Fruit

For the best flavor, opt for high-quality candied fruit. You can also chop larger pieces for even distribution.

2. Chill the Dough (Optional)

If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to shape.

3. Make Them Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free option.

FAQs

Can I use dried fruit instead of candied fruit?

Yes! Swap candied fruit for dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots for a less sweet option.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding white or dark chocolate chips gives these cookies an extra indulgent twist.

Do I have to use nuts?

Not at all. If you have a nut allergy or prefer nut-free cookies, simply omit them or replace them with sunflower seeds.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

These Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies are a festive twist on a traditional treat, offering the rich flavors of fruitcake in a format that’s easy to make, store, and share. With warm spices, chewy texture, and a perfect balance of sweetness, they’ll be a standout at any holiday gathering.

Conclusion

Bring the flavors of the holiday season to your table with these Chewy Fruitcake Cookies. Packed with festive ingredients and easy to whip up, they’re perfect for celebrating with friends and family. Bake a batch today and savor the deliciousness!

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