Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies (Soft, Spiced & Nostalgic)
Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies take everything people love about traditional fruitcake and transform it into a soft, chewy, perfectly spiced cookie. Packed with colorful candied fruit, raisins, crunchy nuts, and warm holiday spices, these cookies deliver rich flavor without the heaviness of a full fruitcake loaf.
Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday gifting, or cozy winter baking, fruitcake cookies bring old-school charm to modern kitchens. They’re tender, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying with a cup of coffee or tea.
If you’ve ever said you don’t like fruitcake — these cookies might just change your mind.
Why Fruitcake Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite
Unlike dense fruitcake loaves, fruitcake cookies bake quickly and stay soft. The smaller size allows spices, fruit, and nuts to distribute evenly, creating balanced bites without overpowering sweetness.
They also age beautifully, becoming even more flavorful after a day or two.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped candied fruit
- Raisins or currants
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients.
- Fold in fruit and nuts.
- Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until set.
- Cool completely before storing.
Texture & Flavor Profile
- Texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly cakey
- Flavor: Warm spices, rich brown sugar, sweet fruit, toasted nuts
These cookies are rich without being overly sweet.
Tips for the Best Fruitcake Cookies
- Chop fruit finely for even distribution
- Do not overbake
- Let cookies rest overnight for best flavor
- Use parchment for even baking
Custom Variations
- Alcohol-Infused: Soak fruit in rum or brandy
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a light chocolate topping
- Citrus Boost: Add orange zest
- Nut-Free: Omit nuts for softer texture
Storage & Gifting
Store in airtight containers up to 7 days. Fruitcake cookies freeze well and are ideal for holiday tins and edible gifts.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
They offer the flavor of classic fruitcake in a friendly, approachable cookie form — nostalgic, festive, and perfect for sharing.
Old Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in fruit and nuts.
- Bake until set.
