If you’re a fan of all things festive, comforting, and delightfully nostalgic, these Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are about to become stars in your holiday baking lineup. Imagine the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves swirling with buttery dough, studded with colorful candied fruit, raisins, and crunchy nuts in every bite. This recipe brings all the magic of a classic fruitcake—minus the wait—straight to your cookie jar, delivering the perfect treat for gatherings, gifting, and cozy evenings with a mug of tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies is in how each ingredient brings something special to the mix. This tempting combination of pantry staples and jewel-toned fruits creates cookies that are bursting with rustic flavor, irresistible texture, and festive cheer.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The rich base that makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and a satisfyingly chewy texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and create a soft, tender crumb.
- Orange juice (1/4 cup): Adding a citrusy sparkle that brightens all the cozy spices.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives structure and support to all the wonderful mix-ins.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Lends just the right amount of lift for a cookie that puffs instead of flattens.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances every flavor in the dough.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The warming spice that ties the holiday flavors together.
- Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Brings depth and that unmistakable ‘holiday’ aroma.
- Cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a bold, spicy note that sets these cookies apart.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1 1/2 cups): Choose your favorite nut for a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
- Mixed candied fruit (1 1/2 cups): The colorful star of classic fruitcake—each bite is a festive surprise.
- Raisins (1/2 cup): Pops of sweetness and chewy texture that complement the candied fruit.
How to Make Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies
Step 1: Ready the Oven and Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures your Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies bake evenly and are a breeze to remove, keeping their lovely shape and golden edges intact.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps add a gentle lift and irresistible tenderness to each cookie.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Orange Juice
Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the orange juice to infuse the dough with brightness, balancing all the rich and spicy notes beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Thoroughly blending these ensures every Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookie is seasoned just right, with spice and structure evenly distributed.
Step 5: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined for a tender crumb. The dough will be sturdy but soft—perfect for holding all the mix-ins to come.
Step 6: Fold in Nuts, Candied Fruit, and Raisins
Gently fold in the chopped nuts, mixed candied fruit, and raisins. This simple step transforms your dough into something vibrant and festive, with pockets of color and texture in every spoonful.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set—it’s okay if they look slightly soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, your Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are ready to be devoured or lovingly packed up for gifting!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a magical, snowy finish, perfect for the holidays. You could also drizzle a little citrus glaze over the tops for extra zing, or add a cherry half or candied fruit gem before baking for classic old-time charm.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea, spiced cider, or mulled wine to enhance their warm, spicy flavors. For a festive cookie platter, add buttery shortbreads or nutty biscotti. Their rich flavor also goes wonderfully alongside a cheese board with creamy brie and dried fruits.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack these Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies in a pretty tin layered with parchment, tie up small bundles in cellophane and ribbon for edible gifts, or stack them on a sparkling holiday platter at your next party. They’re stunning alongside gingerbread and other classic Christmas cookies, turning any gathering into a cheerful celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, perfect for nibbling anytime or packing in lunchboxes and gift bags.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To restore the fresh-baked taste, warm a few cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes. This gentle reheating revives their lovely texture and awakens the festive aroma of spices and citrus.
FAQs
Can I soak the fruit in liquor for extra flavor?
Absolutely! For a classic old-school touch, soak your raisins and candied fruit in rum or brandy overnight and drain before adding to the dough. This infusion adds deeper flavor and a little extra celebration to every bite.
Do I have to use both pecans and walnuts?
Not at all—use whichever you prefer, or a mix of both! Either nut adds wonderful crunch and toasty richness, so feel free to customize based on what you have on hand or your favorite flavor.
Can I make Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cookies will be slightly more tender, but all the festive flavor and chewy texture will still shine.
Are these cookies overly sweet?
Despite the candied fruit, raisins, and brown sugar, these cookies actually strike a great balance. The citrus, spices, and nuts keep them from being cloying, offering just the right amount of sweetness in every bite.
Can the dough be made ahead and chilled?
You can make the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it, which helps the flavors meld and even gives you neater, rounder cookies when baked. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a batch of Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies, whether you’re keeping family traditions alive or discovering a new favorite. I can’t wait for you to experience the comfort, color, and joy these cookies bring—bake them soon and watch how quickly they disappear from the cookie jar!
Print
Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the nostalgia of classic holiday flavors with these Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies. Packed with candied fruit, nuts, and warm spices, these cookies are a festive treat perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 1/2 cups mixed candied fruit
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the orange juice.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Combine dough: Fold in nuts, candied fruit, and raisins. Drop dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra flavor, soak fruit in rum or brandy overnight before using.
- Store cookies in an airtight container or freeze for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
