Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies

Introduction

There’s something magical about the holidays that brings families together around the kitchen, sharing food, stories, and creating memories. These Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies quickly became a favorite in our household, and I’m excited to share them with you. The combination of rich, chewy fruits and crunchy Brazil nuts creates a wonderful contrast, while the soft, buttery cookie dough holds it all together. Whether you’re a fruitcake fan or not, these cookies might just change your mind. I recently baked a batch to share with friends and family, and the reactions were overwhelmingly positive. The cookies were a hit at our holiday gathering, with people asking for the recipe before they’d even finished their first bite. They’re a great mix of traditional fruitcake flavors in a bite-sized treat, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or as a gift for someone special.

Why You’ll Love These Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies

If you’ve ever been hesitant about fruitcake, these cookies will convert you. They capture all the deliciousness of fruitcake, but in a much more approachable and fun form. What makes these cookies stand out is the perfect balance between sweet candied fruits, crunchy nuts, and soft, buttery cookie dough. The addition of golden Crisco shortening gives them an irresistible texture that’s slightly chewy with a crisp edge. They’re festive, flavorful, and easy to make, which makes them a perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. Here’s why you’ll love these Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies:

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet, tangy candied fruits pair wonderfully with the nutty crunch of Brazil nuts, creating a delicious flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Chewy and Buttery Texture: The combination of shortening and sugar gives these cookies the perfect chewy texture, making each bite a delightful treat.
• Festive and Colorful: The red and green candied cherries, along with the golden candied pineapple, make these cookies a festive addition to any holiday spread.
• Freezer-Friendly: If you’re ahead of the game, these cookies freeze beautifully, allowing you to bake them in advance and enjoy them later.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies, you’ll need a variety of dried fruits and nuts, as well as the usual cookie dough staples. Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients:

Fruits and Nuts

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup candied cherries (red and green), coarsely chopped
• 1 cup candied pineapple, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup Brazil nuts, coarsely chopped

Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup golden Crisco shortening
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies that everyone will love:

1. Prepare the Fruits and Nuts
   In a mixing bowl, combine the raisins, chopped candied cherries, chopped candied pineapple, and Brazil nuts. Set this mixture aside.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Once creamed, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix everything together until fully blended.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Combine the Mixtures
   Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. Once the dough is smooth, gently fold in the prepared fruit and nut mixture. Make sure the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Shape the Cookies
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them onto the prepared sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake the Cookies
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Store and Serve
   Store these delicious fruitcake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them and thaw when needed. These cookies make a great holiday gift when packaged in a festive box.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 80mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve
These Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies can be served in various ways, depending on your occasion:

• Holiday Cookie Tray: Place these colorful cookies on a holiday cookie tray with other festive treats like sugar cookies or gingerbread.
• As a Gift: Package these cookies in a cute tin or gift box, perfect for giving to neighbors or friends during the holidays.
• For Tea or Coffee: Serve with your favorite hot beverage for a sweet afternoon treat.
• With Ice Cream: Pair these cookies with vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Nuts: Make sure your Brazil nuts are fresh to ensure the best flavor. Stale nuts can make the cookies taste off.
2. Chop the Fruit and Nuts Evenly: To ensure an even distribution of fruits and nuts throughout the dough, chop them into similar-sized pieces.
3. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough. This can cause the cookies to be dense.
4. Customize the Fruits: If you don’t have candied pineapple, try using dried pineapple or apricots for a different twist.
5. Freezing for Later: These cookies freeze well. Store the dough in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as usual.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
   Yes, you can substitute Brazil nuts with walnuts, pecans, or almonds, depending on your preference.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, these cookies can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
3. Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
   Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make these cookies with less sugar?
   Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup if you’d like a less sweet cookie, but the texture may change slightly.
5. Can I add other dried fruits to this recipe?
   Yes, feel free to add dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped dried figs for added flavor.
6. Can I make these cookies without shortening?
   Yes, you can use unsalted butter instead of shortening, though the texture may be slightly different.
7. Can I add chocolate to these cookies?
   Yes, if you love chocolate, you can add chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious combination of flavors.
8. How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
   The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the center is set. They will firm up as they cool.
9. Do I have to use almond extract?
   If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract, although the flavor will change slightly.
10. Can I use regular Crisco instead of golden Crisco?
    Yes, regular Crisco can be used, but golden Crisco gives these cookies a richer flavor and color.

These Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors, wrapped up in a chewy, buttery cookie. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cookie exchange, or just want to enjoy a sweet treat, these cookies will make everyone’s day a little brighter. Happy baking!

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