Description
These Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are a nostalgic treat with a soft, chewy texture loaded with colorful candied fruits and crunchy pecans. Perfect for the holiday season or anytime you crave a sweet, classic cookie with a festive twist, they blend traditional fruitcake flavors into a delightful cookie form.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Add-ins
- 1 cup diced candied pineapple
- 1 cup diced candied red cherries
- 1 cup diced candied green cherries
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet: Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Use a mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon extract, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mix to the butter mixture, blending well. Finally, fold in the diced candied pineapple, red and green cherries, and chopped pecans to distribute evenly through the dough.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonsful onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 3 to 4 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cookies turn just golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, refrigerate for longer freshness, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to a few months.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- Spacing cookies properly on the sheet ensures they bake evenly without merging.
- Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to avoid cookies sticking to the baking sheet.
- These cookies freeze well, making them ideal for preparing in advance for holidays or gatherings.
- Adjust baking time slightly if you prefer softer or crisper cookies.
