Fruit Cake Cookies – A Soft, Chewy, Festive Delight

There is something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about a batch of freshly baked
Fruit Cake Cookies. These cookies deliver everything people adore about
classic fruitcake—bright candied fruit, hints of vanilla, and crunchy toasted nuts—yet
they skip the heaviness of traditional fruitcake. Instead, you get a soft, buttery,
chewy cookie bursting with color and flavor. Whether you enjoy them during the holidays
or crave a year-round sweet treat, these cookies are irresistibly festive, wonderfully
easy to prepare, and always crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients & What Each One Brings to the Recipe

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates a rich, tender cookie base and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to the perfect chewy texture.
• 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients and ensure the cookie stays moist.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth, balancing the sweetness of the fruit.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure, keeping the cookies soft yet sturdy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay light.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances every flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.
• 2 cups mixed candied fruit – The star of the recipe, adding festive color and bright, fruity pops in every bite.
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts – Introduces a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma.

How to Make Fruit Cake Cookies

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter
   and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale. This step creates air in the dough
   for a softer cookie.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl
   between additions. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour,
   baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumping.
4. Bring the dough together: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture,
   stirring until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
5. Fold in the candied fruit and nuts: Use a spatula to gently mix in the
   mixed fruit and chopped nuts, ensuring every scoop is packed with flavor.
6. Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30–60 minutes. This prevents
   spreading and keeps the cookies beautifully shaped.
7. Bake the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized
   portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are
   lightly golden.
8. Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes
   before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling enhances the chewy texture.

Why These Fruit Cake Cookies Are Loved

These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, offering irresistible bites
filled with festive fruit and crunchy nuts. They’re delightfully simple to prepare,
freeze beautifully, and store well—making them ideal for holiday gifting, cookie trays,
or sweet afternoon moments. With their colorful appearance and rich aroma,
Fruit Cake Cookies win hearts wherever they go.

Pro Tips for the Best Fruit Cake Cookies

• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to control spreading.
• Toast your nuts lightly beforehand for deeper flavor.
• Use quality candied fruit to ensure the sweetest, juiciest bites.
• Do not overbake—remove cookies when edges just begin to turn golden.
• Let them rest on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, a mug of spiced tea, or a glass of cold milk.
For a holiday platter, serve them alongside gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or chocolate
fudge squares. They also make charming edible gifts when wrapped in festive tins or clear
cellophane bags tied with ribbon.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s wonderfully simple yet incredibly flavorful, these
Fruit Cake Cookies are the perfect choice. The buttery dough, vibrant candied
fruit, and crunchy nuts come together in a cookie that’s soft, festive, and impossible to
resist. Easy enough for beginners and impressive enough for guests, this recipe is sure to
become a new favorite in your kitchen—and one that stands out above the competition with
its exceptional quality and unbeatable taste.