Name: Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup diced candied pineapple; 1 cup diced candied red cherries; 1 cup diced candied green cherries; 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 65 reviews

If you love the nostalgic, festive flavors of holiday baking, you are going to adore this Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the rich, fruity, and nutty charm of traditional fruitcake, but in a tender, hand-held cookie form that is perfect for sharing or gifting. Packed with colorful candied fruits and crunchy pecans, every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and a burst of warm, familiar tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s an afternoon treat with tea or part of your seasonal cookie exchange, this recipe brings timeless joy with each batch.

Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and wonderfully complementary, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance. From creamy butter to the colorful medley of candied fruits, every element is essential in creating those charming old fashioned fruitcake cookies.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle nutty aroma that complements the pecans.
Lemon extract (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, bright hint that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base that gives structure and stability to the dough.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and prevents the cookies from tasting flat.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently and maintain a light texture.
Diced candied pineapple (1 cup): Offers juicy bursts of tropical sweetness.
Diced candied red cherries (1 cup): Adds vibrant color and fruity chewiness.
Diced candied green cherries (1 cup): Contributes bright color and classic fruitcake flavor.
Coarsely chopped pecans (1 cup): Introduces satisfying crunch and toasty richness.

How to Make Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface

Before diving into the mixing, preheat your oven to 300°F. This relatively low temperature allows the cookies to bake slowly, ensuring they remain tender yet fully cooked. Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and to help the bottoms brown evenly without burning.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar for a Fluffy Base

Using a mixer, cream the room temperature butter with sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This process incorporates air to help create a soft texture. Once fluffy, add the egg along with the vanilla, almond, and lemon extracts, mixing until everything is fully combined for a fragrant and smooth batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Fruits and Nuts

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually incorporate this dry mix into the butter mixture to avoid clumping. Once the dough comes together, gently fold in the diced candied pineapple, red and green cherries, and chopped pecans. This step ensures each cookie will be bursting with that signature fruitcake goodness and crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Scoop the dough by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 3 to 4 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, watching carefully for the edges to turn just golden brown. After removing from the oven, let the cookies sit on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set perfectly while keeping the centers soft.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an elegant touch, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. Both options enhance their festive look and introduce a slight contrast in sweetness that complements the fruity and nutty elements beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages such as spiced tea, rich coffee, or even a glass of eggnog during the holidays. Serving them alongside a platter of sharp cheeses and nuts can elevate your dessert table, offering guests a delightful contrast of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper for a classic gift presentation. Alternatively, tie small bundles with festive ribbons and include a handwritten recipe card for a heartfelt homemade gift. For parties, arrange the cookies on a tiered serving tray with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a charming seasonal display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days. This keeps them soft and flavorful, allowing the fruit and nuts to mingle even more over time. For longer storage, refrigeration is a good option to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies beyond the immediate holiday season, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their signature texture or taste.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies after refrigeration or freezing, warm them briefly in a low-temperature oven or microwave. This brings back their tender chewiness and releases those wonderful fragrant notes from the extracts and fruit.

FAQs

Can I substitute the candied fruit with fresh fruit?

Fresh fruit has too much moisture and will alter the texture and baking time significantly. Candied fruit is essential for the chewy, sweet bursts typical of this Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe.

Are there any nut-free versions of this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans and consider adding extra candied fruit or some toasted oats to keep a nice texture and balance.

Why is the oven temperature lower than typical cookie recipes?

The 300°F baking temperature helps the cookies cook gently, preventing the sugars from caramelizing too fast and keeping the fruit and nuts from burning while maintaining a soft center.

Can I use almond flour or whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Substituting flours will change the cookie’s texture and density. Almond flour or whole wheat may result in a denser, crumblier cookie and may require some recipe adjustments to work well.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. Refrigeration extends their freshness up to two weeks.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to bring classic holiday cheer into your kitchen any time of year. The perfect blend of fruit, nuts, and warm spices wrapped into a tender cookie will quickly make these a beloved treat for family and friends. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and fill your home with the inviting aromas of cherished traditions.