Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies

These Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies are a festive twist on the traditional fruitcake, transforming it into a soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious cookie. With a medley of dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of warm spices, these cookies are packed with holiday flavors. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or for gifting, these fruitcake cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Chewy Texture: The cookies are soft and chewy with every bite.
2. Holiday Flavor: A mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices creates a delicious, festive taste.
3. Easy to Make: These cookies are simple to prepare and bake.
4. Great for Gifting: Perfect for giving to friends and family during the holidays.
5. A Fruitcake with a Twist: All the flavors of fruitcake, but in an easier-to-enjoy cookie form.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dried apricots, etc.)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup candied ginger, chopped
• 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup dark rum or orange juice (for soaking the fruits)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fruits

1. In a small bowl, soak the dried fruits and candied ginger in dark rum or orange juice for about 30 minutes. This will help plump up the fruits and enhance the flavors.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Add the Fruits and Nuts

1. Drain the soaked dried fruits and ginger, discarding any excess liquid.
2. Stir in the soaked fruits, chopped nuts, and any remaining fruit pieces into the cookie dough.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once cooled, enjoy these chewy fruitcake cookies with a warm drink, or package them up as a thoughtful holiday gift!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie

• Calories: ~180
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 2g

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of fruit?
   Yes, you can substitute the dried fruits with your favorite mix, such as dried cranberries, cherries, or even figs.
2. How do I store these cookies?
   Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make these cookies without rum?
   Absolutely! You can substitute the rum with orange juice or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
5. How do I make these cookies chewier?
   To make the cookies even chewier, you can slightly underbake them, leaving them soft in the center.
6. Can I add chocolate to these cookies?
   Yes! You can add chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for a chocolatey twist on these fruitcake cookies.
7. What nuts work best in these cookies?
   Pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts all work wonderfully in these cookies. Choose your favorite nut or a combination!
8. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
9. Can I add more spices?
   Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to your liking for a more pronounced spice flavor.
10. Can I make these cookies smaller?
    Yes, you can scoop smaller portions for bite-sized cookies. Just adjust the baking time by checking them a couple of minutes earlier.

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