Name: Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 48
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all purpose flour; 1 tsp Baking Soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup shortening; 2 cups brown sugar; 2 eggs; ⅔ cup milk; 1 cup pecans; 2 cups dates; 1 cup candied cherries; 1 cup mixed citrus peel; ½ cup candied cherries

These delightful fruitcake cookies are a festive treat perfect for any holiday gathering. Combining a variety of fruits and nuts, these cookies bring a traditional favorite into a modern, bite-sized form that everyone will love.

Photos of Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Some of the ingredients for these cookies might not be commonly found in every pantry. Items like dates, candied cherries, and mixed citrus peel may require a trip to a specialty store or the baking aisle of a well-stocked supermarket. Be sure to check for these to ensure you have everything needed for this delightful recipe.

Ingredients for Fruitcake Cookies

all purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough, providing structure and texture.

baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.

salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.

shortening: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cookies.

brown sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds a rich, molasses flavor.

eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.

milk: Adds moisture to the dough.

pecans: Adds a nutty flavor and crunch.

dates: Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture.

candied cherries: Provide bursts of color and sweetness.

mixed citrus peel: Adds a zesty, fruity flavor.

candied cherries: Used for decoration, adding a festive touch.

One reader, Keelia Pieper says:

These fruitcake cookies are a delightful treat! The combination of dates, pecans, and candied cherries creates a perfect balance of flavors. The cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive goodness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy snack with a cup of tea. Highly recommend!

Keelia Pieper

Techniques Required for Making Fruitcake Cookies

Yes.

How to sift flour: Use a fine mesh sieve or a flour sifter to aerate the flour and remove any lumps. How to cream shortening: Beat the shortening with a mixer until it is smooth and creamy. How to beat until light and fluffy: Continue mixing the shortening, sugar, and eggs until the mixture becomes pale and airy. How to chill dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for several hours to firm up before baking. How to drop dough by teaspoons: Use a teaspoon to scoop out portions of dough and place them on the baking sheet.

How To Make Fruitcake Cookies

Whip up a fresh batch of fruitcake cookies, made with tart cherries, dates, nuts, and citrus peels, for a nutty and fruity treat!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4cupsall purpose flour
1tspbaking soda
1tspsalt
1cupshortening
2cupsbrown sugar,packed
2eggs
⅔cupmilk
1cuppecans,chopped
2cupsdates,pitted and chopped
1cupcandied cherries,quartered, plus ½ cup red and green candied, halved
1cupmixed citrus peel,candied
½cupcandied cherries,red and green, halved

Instructions

Sift the flour, measure, and sift it again with the baking soda and salt.
Cream the shortening, then add the sugar and eggs. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add the milk and flour mixture, mixing well. Stir in the nuts, dates, cherries and candied peel.
Cover and chill the dough for several hours.
Drop the chilled dough by teaspoons, 2-inches apart, onto lightly greased baking sheets. Top each cookie with half of a candied cherry.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 162.60kcal
Fat: 6.16g
Saturated Fat: 1.33g
Trans Fat: 0.56g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.70g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.73g
Carbohydrates: 26.48g
Fiber: 1.24g
Sugar: 16.93g
Protein: 1.84g
Cholesterol: 7.00mg
Sodium: 84.57mg
Calcium: 22.02mg
Potassium: 111.88mg
Iron: 0.72mg
Vitamin A: 5.47µg
Vitamin C: 0.64mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

To ensure your fruitcake cookies have a uniform texture, make sure to finely chop the dates, candied cherries, and mixed citrus peel. This will help distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dough and prevent large chunks from disrupting the cookie's structure.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the baking process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can save time when creaming the shortening, sugar, and eggs.

Chill dough overnight: Prepare the dough the night before and let it chill overnight to save time on the day of baking.

Preheat oven early: Preheat your oven while you are preparing the dough to ensure it’s ready when you are.

Use parchment paper: Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and faster cookie removal.

Substitute Ingredients For Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, though it may make the cookies denser.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use three times the amount of baking powder to replace baking soda, as it includes an acid to help with leavening.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
shortening - Substitute with butter: Butter adds a richer flavor and can be used in the same quantity, though it may make the cookies spread more.
brown sugar - Substitute with white sugar and molasses: Mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses to replicate the moisture and flavor of brown sugar.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg for a vegan alternative that adds fiber.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used in the same quantity for a dairy-free option, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar texture and flavor, making them a good alternative to pecans.
dates - Substitute with raisins: Raisins offer a similar sweetness and chewy texture, though they are smaller in size.
candied cherries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a tart flavor and chewy texture, making them a suitable replacement.
mixed citrus peel - Substitute with lemon zest and orange zest: Fresh zest from lemons and oranges can replicate the citrus flavor without the added sugar.
candied cherries - Substitute with dried apricots: Dried apricots offer a different but complementary sweetness and chewy texture.

Presentation Tips for Serving Fruitcake Cookies

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the fruitcake cookies in bite-sized portions to ensure a refined and elegant presentation. This allows the intricate flavors of the candied cherries, dates, and mixed citrus peel to be savored in each bite.
Use decoration: Garnish each cookie with a delicate half of a candied cherry on top, as specified in the recipe. This adds a pop of color and a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Plate with precision: Arrange the cookies on a pristine white plate in a neat, symmetrical pattern. This creates a visually appealing contrast and highlights the vibrant colors of the candied fruits.
Add a touch of elegance: Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving. This adds a subtle sweetness and an elegant finish to the presentation.
Incorporate texture: Serve the fruitcake cookies with a side of finely chopped pecans and candied peel for added texture and visual interest. This enhances the overall sensory experience for the diners.
Highlight ingredients: Place a small bowl of candied cherries and dates on the side of the plate to showcase the premium ingredients used in the recipe. This emphasizes the quality and thoughtfulness behind the dish.
Create a theme: Use a festive or seasonal theme for the presentation. For example, during the holiday season, incorporate small decorative elements like holly leaves or a dusting of edible gold glitter to enhance the festive feel of the fruitcake cookies.
Serve with a complementary beverage: Pair the fruitcake cookies with a small glass of spiced mulled wine or hot cocoa. This adds an extra layer of indulgence and complements the rich flavors of the cookies.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Sifter: used to sift the flour, ensuring it is light and free of lumps.
Measuring cups: essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, and other ingredients.
Mixing bowls: used to combine and mix the ingredients together.
Electric mixer: helps to cream the shortening, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy.
Spatula: useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Measuring spoons: necessary for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like baking soda and salt.
Chopping board: used to chop the pecans, dates, and mixed citrus peel.
Knife: for chopping the nuts, dates, and mixed citrus peel.
Plastic wrap: used to cover the dough while it chills in the refrigerator.
Teaspoon: for dropping the chilled dough onto the baking sheets.
Baking sheets: where the cookies are placed for baking.
Parchment paper: optional, but can be used to line the baking sheets for easier cleanup.
Oven: preheated to 350 degrees f for baking the cookies.
Cooling rack: where the cookies can cool after baking.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Fruitcake Cookies

Allow the fruitcake cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them.
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
To keep the cookies soft and moist, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and keep the cookies fresh.
For longer storage, freeze the fruitcake cookies:
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen fruitcake cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature on a wire rack. This will take about 1-2 hours.
If desired, you can refresh the thawed cookies by placing them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.

How To Reheat Leftover Fruitcake Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fruitcake cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will restore some of the original texture and flavor of the cookies.
For a quicker option, you can use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 15-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become tough or rubbery.
If you prefer a softer, more moist texture, wrap the cookies in a damp paper towel before microwaving them. This will help to rehydrate the dried fruits and nuts in the cookies, giving them a fresher taste and texture.
For a crispy exterior and a soft interior, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on the wire rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
If you have a few days before you plan to serve the leftover cookies, you can store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help to absorb any excess moisture and keep the cookies fresh and flavorful. When you're ready to serve, simply remove the bread and reheat the cookies using one of the methods mentioned above.

Interesting Trivia About Fruitcake Cookies

A random fact about this recipe is that fruitcake cookies combine the traditional flavors of fruitcake with the convenience of cookies, making them a popular choice for holiday gatherings.

Is Making Fruitcake Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

This fruitcake cookies recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and shortening are budget-friendly, but the inclusion of pecans, dates, and candied cherries can increase the cost. Overall, the recipe scores a 7 out of 10 in cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD.

Are Fruitcake Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

The fruitcake cookies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the nutrients found in whole grain flours.
Shortening is used as the primary fat, which is high in saturated and trans fats, known to contribute to heart disease and other health issues.
The recipe contains a substantial amount of brown sugar, adding to the overall sugar content and potentially leading to blood sugar spikes and dental problems.
Candied cherries and mixed citrus peel are high in sugar and offer little nutritional value.

However, the recipe does include some redeeming ingredients, such as pecans and dates, which provide healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
Substitute the shortening with coconut oil or grass-fed butter, which contain healthier fats
Reduce the amount of brown sugar by 25-50% and experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
Opt for unsweetened dried cherries instead of candied cherries to lower the sugar content
Increase the proportion of pecans and dates to boost the nutritional value of the cookies
Add a handful of rolled oats for extra fiber and texture

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of these fruitcake cookies while still maintaining their delightful taste and texture.

Editor's Opinion on the Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

This fruitcake cookie recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional holiday treat. The combination of pecans, dates, and candied fruits creates a rich, flavorful profile that is both nostalgic and satisfying. The use of shortening ensures a tender, crumbly texture, while the brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Chilling the dough is a crucial step for achieving the perfect consistency. Topping each cookie with a candied cherry adds a festive touch. Overall, this recipe is well-balanced and sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

Enhance Your Fruitcake Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Imagine the velvety smoothness of butternut squash mingling with a hint of nutmeg. This warm, comforting soup pairs beautifully with the sweet and nutty notes of your fruitcake cookies.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: The salty, savory prosciutto enveloping tender asparagus spears creates a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. A touch of balsamic glaze adds an extra layer of sophistication.

Cranberry Brie Bites: Cranberry Brie Bites: These bite-sized delights feature creamy brie cheese topped with tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled in a flaky pastry. The rich, savory flavors complement the fruity, nutty essence of the cookies.

Spiced Apple Cider: Spiced Apple Cider: A warm mug of apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise is the perfect beverage to enjoy alongside your cookies. The aromatic spices enhance the festive feel of the dessert.

Goat Cheese and Fig Crostini: Goat Cheese and Fig Crostini: Creamy goat cheese spread on crispy baguette slices, topped with sweet fig preserves and a sprinkle of rosemary. This elegant appetizer offers a sophisticated balance to the rich, fruity flavors of the cookies.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Like Fruitcake Cookies

Spiced Nut Bars: If you love the warm, cozy flavors of fruitcake cookies, you'll adore these spiced nut bars. Packed with pecans, walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon, these bars are perfect for a holiday treat or a comforting snack.

Cranberry Orange Biscotti: For a delightful twist on traditional biscotti, try these cranberry orange biscotti. The tartness of dried cranberries combined with the zesty flavor of orange zest makes these twice-baked cookies a perfect companion to your morning coffee.

Gingerbread Cookies: Nothing says the holidays like the spicy aroma of gingerbread cookies. With a blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, these cookies are not only delicious but also fun to decorate with royal icing and candies.

Pecan Sandies: These pecan sandies are a buttery, nutty delight that practically melts in your mouth. With a generous amount of chopped pecans and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are simple yet irresistibly tasty.

Cherry Almond Shortbread: For a delicate and elegant treat, try cherry almond shortbread. The combination of dried cherries and almond extract in a buttery shortbread base creates a cookie that's both sophisticated and satisfying.

Suggested Starters and Main Dishes to Accompany Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine button mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the earthy flavor of the mushrooms. Top them with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and bake until golden brown. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering and are sure to impress your guests.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that never fails to please. Start with slices of toasted baguette and top them with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a burst of flavor. The combination of the crunchy bread and the fresh, tangy topping is simply irresistible. This dish is not only delicious but also adds a touch of elegance to any table.

Main Courses:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the zesty flavors of lemon and the aromatic touch of herbs. The chicken is marinated in a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Once marinated, the chicken is grilled to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful main course. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner.**

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful and nutritious main course that can be customized to your liking. The bell peppers are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and spices. You can also add vegetables like corn or black beans for extra flavor and texture. Once stuffed, the peppers are baked until tender and the filling is cooked through. Top them with cheese and bake until melted and bubbly. Serve these peppers with a side of sour cream or guacamole for a delicious and satisfying meal.**

Why trust this Fruitcake Cookies Recipe:

This fruitcake cookies recipe is a delightful blend of traditional holiday flavors and modern convenience. With pecans, dates, and candied cherries, each bite offers a burst of sweetness and texture. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a perfect batch every time. Plus, the dough can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for busy schedules. Trust this recipe for its balance of classic ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Share your thoughts on this Fruitcake Cookies Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how they turned out!

FAQ:

How long should I chill the dough?

I recommend chilling the dough for at least 2 hours, but you can leave it in the fridge overnight if you want to prep ahead.

Can I use butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit softer.

Do I need to grease the baking sheets?

Yes, lightly greasing the baking sheets will help prevent the cookies from sticking. You can also use parchment paper if you prefer.

Can I use different types of nuts or dried fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the pecans, dates, or candied cherries for your favorite nuts and dried fruits. Just keep the quantities the same.

How do I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.