Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

These Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies capture all the nostalgic flavors of classic fruitcake in a chewy, spiced, bite-sized treat. Packed with candied fruits, raisins, and nuts, these cookies are sweet, warmly spiced, and perfect for holiday gatherings—or anytime you want a comforting, flavorful cookie.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Classic flavors, simplified: All the charm of traditional fruitcake without the long baking time or dense texture.
Chewy and spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bring warmth, while the fruits and nuts add a satisfying chew and crunch.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these cookies are a stress-free way to enjoy festive flavors.
Customizable: Swap nuts, dried fruits, or add extra spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup chopped candied fruits (e.g., cherries, pineapple)
½ cup raisins or currants
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla until fully combined.
Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in fruits and nuts: Gently fold in the candied fruits, raisins, and nuts until evenly distributed.
Shape and bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations

Extra spice: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a richer flavor.
Different nuts: Swap pecans or walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts.
Alternate dried fruits: Replace candied fruits with dried apricots, cranberries, or figs for a less sugary version.
Nut-free: Simply omit the nuts—cookies are still flavorful and chewy.

Storage

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh the chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for a holiday cookie platter, a cozy tea-time snack, or gifting to friends and family. Pair with tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat.

Quick Facts

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Calories: 120 kcal per cookie

Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and nutty flavors in a quick and easy treat. Each chewy bite brings the nostalgia of traditional fruitcake in a more approachable, cookie-sized form.