Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies

Introduction

As the holiday season rolls around, one of my favorite traditions is baking up a batch of cookies that reflect the warmth, flavor, and festive spirit of the season. This year, I decided to give the classic fruitcake a fun and approachable twist, creating these Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies. I have to say, my family absolutely loved them! The chewy texture of the cookies combined with the sweet tang of candied fruit, raisins, and spices makes them an instant hit for any holiday gathering.

These cookies are a perfect balance of rich, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, mixed with the crunchy texture of chopped nuts and the chewy sweetness of dried fruits. They’re packed with flavor and so much easier to enjoy than a traditional fruitcake! Whether you’re looking to gift some homemade cookies, serve them at a holiday party, or simply indulge in a sweet treat while relaxing at home, these cookies are a must-try. The chewy texture and festive ingredients make them the ideal cookie to enjoy throughout the season. Let me walk you through the process of making them, so you can share this delicious treat with your loved ones.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped candied fruit
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spice. The candied fruit and raisins provide bursts of sweetness, while the nuts give the cookies a satisfying crunch. The spices add warmth, making these cookies perfect for cold winter days or holiday festivities.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in the cookies.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined.
4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture, blending until just combined.
5. Stir in the fruits, nuts, and spices: Add the chopped candied fruit, nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the dough. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Form the cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Here’s the approximate nutritional information for each Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookie:

• Servings: 36 cookies
• Calories per serving: 150
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

These nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but they give a good idea of the general breakdown per cookie.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes

This recipe is quick and easy, with only 20 minutes of prep time and just 12 minutes of baking time. In just over half an hour, you’ll have a batch of delicious, chewy fruitcake cookies ready to enjoy.

How to Serve

These Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for serving:

• As a holiday gift: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Package them in a festive tin or wrap them in holiday-themed parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon.
• On a cookie platter: Serve them on a beautiful cookie platter alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread or sugar cookies.
• With a cup of tea or coffee: These cookies are perfect with a warm drink. Pair them with your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
• At a party: They’re the perfect treat to bring to holiday parties or gatherings. Set them out on a dessert table and watch them disappear.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies turn out perfectly, here are some additional tips:

1. Use room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
2. Don’t overmix the dough: After adding the dry ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
3. Chill the dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before forming the cookies.
4. Use fresh spices: To maximize flavor, use fresh ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
5. Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven. They should be lightly browned around the edges but still soft in the center.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can make a few changes to suit your preferences. Here are some variations you can try:

• Swap the fruits: Instead of candied fruit, try dried apricots, cherries, or dates for a different flavor profile.
• Add chocolate chips: For a richer flavor, you can add dark or milk chocolate chips to the dough.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Change the nuts: If you prefer different nuts, try almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts instead of pecans or walnuts.
• Add a citrus twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some great ways to serve your Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies:

• With ice cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• On a holiday dessert table: These cookies are a great addition to a holiday dessert table, alongside cakes, pies, and other cookies.
• As a mid-day snack: Enjoy one or two of these cookies as a sweet pick-me-up in the middle of a busy holiday day.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers or want to make the dough ahead of time, here’s how to store or freeze your cookies:

• Storing cookies: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and chewy.
• Freezing the dough: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual (you may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time).
• Freezing baked cookies: If you have leftover cookies, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container, with parchment paper between layers, and freeze. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, you can use margarine, but the texture may vary slightly.
2. Can I substitute the candied fruit?
   Yes, you can use any dried fruit you prefer, such as dried cherries or apricots.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
4. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies should be lightly browned around the edges but soft in the center.
5. Can I add more spices?
   Yes, you can add more cinnamon or even a pinch of ginger for an extra spice kick.
6. Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
   Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
7. How can I make these cookies chewier?
   For chewier cookies, underb

ake them slightly and let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
   Yes, chocolate chips make a great addition to this recipe.
9. Can I store the dough in the fridge?
   Yes, you can store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
10. How long will these cookies stay fresh?
    These cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies are a delicious and festive treat that will bring joy to your holiday gatherings. With their chewy texture, rich spices, and bursts of candied fruit, nuts, and raisins, these cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season. They’re easy to make, versatile, and always a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, looking for a sweet gift, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a favorite. Happy baking!

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