Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies are a nostalgic and delicious twist on the classic fruitcake. Packed with a blend of candied fruit, raisins, and toasted nuts, these cookies offer a rich, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays or any time you want a cozy treat. With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses, they’re soft and chewy in the center with a slight golden crisp at the edges. These cookies improve with age, making them a great make-ahead option that can be stored for up to several weeks or frozen for longer freshness. A true classic, these cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm cup of tea
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
We adore these Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies because they’re packed with festive flavors, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Rich, spiced flavor – Warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses create a cozy taste.
Loaded with fruit and nuts – Chewy raisins, candied cherries, and crunchy walnuts add texture.
Perfect for gifting – These cookies stay fresh for weeks, making them ideal for holiday treats.
A nostalgic treat – They bring back memories of classic fruitcake in a bite-sized form!
Preparation Time :
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: ~25 minutes (plus cooling)
Yield: About 3 dozen cookies
Ingredients :
Here’s what we’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup molasses
2 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped candied cherries
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How We Make Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies :
Oven Prep: We start by warming our oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper – this keeps cleanup simple and prevents sticking.
Fluffy Base: Using our beloved mixing bowl, we beat together dark molasses, rich brown sugar, and melted butter until the batter is light and airy, which takes around two to three minutes.
Eggcellent Addition: We carefully incorporate eggs one by one, making sure each egg is fully embraced by our buttery mixture before adding the next.
Dry Team Unite: In a separate bowl, we whisk together our dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, warm cinnamon, fragrant nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Then we gradually marry this with our wet ingredients, mixing just until they come together.
Festive Mix-Ins: Now comes the fun part! We lovingly fold in plump raisins, cheerful candied cherries, and crunchy walnuts until every scoop of dough promises a burst of flavor.
Portion & Bake: Using a tablespoon, we create perfect little mounds of dough on our prepared sheets, giving them about 2 inches of space to grow. Into the oven they go for 10-12 minutes, until their edges turn a beautiful golden hue.
Patience Pays Off: We resist temptation and let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes (they’re still setting up!), then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. The wait makes that first bite even more rewarding!
Additional Tips for the Best Cookies :
Chop fruit & nuts evenly for consistent texture.
Don’t overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them.
FAQ :
1- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld.
2- Do I have to use molasses?
While molasses adds depth, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
3- Why are my cookies too dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness. Measure flour carefully and check cookies at the 10-minute mark.
4- Can I add alcohol like traditional fruitcake?
Absolutely! Soak the dried fruit in rum or brandy for an extra boozy twist.
Conclusion :
Nothing says “holiday season” quite like our Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies! Bursting with warm spices, chewy fruit, and crunchy nuts, these little bites capture all the nostalgic charm of traditional fruitcake in a more delightful package.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or thoughtful homemade gifts, these treats are guaranteed to spread cheer. We’d love to hear about your baking adventures-share your results with us! Every batch tells its own sweet story.