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The Best Chewy Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

A stack of chewy fruitcake cookies, cut in half to show candied fruit and nuts, dusted heavily with powdered sugar.
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Bake these chewy fruitcake cookies packed with candied fruit and pecans for a traditional holiday treat. This recipe honors simple, honest baking.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup finely chopped candied mixed fruit
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped candied pineapple
  • 1/4 cup brandy or orange juice (for soaking fruit)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Combine the candied fruit and pineapple in a small bowl. Pour the brandy or orange juice over the fruit and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Drain any excess liquid before using.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the drained candied fruit and chopped pecans.
  7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can lightly press them down with the bottom of a glass if you prefer a flatter cookie.
  8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. These are **chewy fruitcake cookies**, so avoid overbaking.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Notes

  • Soaking the fruit in brandy or orange juice helps keep the cookies moist and adds depth to the flavor, making them better **old fashioned holiday cookies**.
  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the granulated sugar with light brown sugar.
  • These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/fruitcake-cookies-best-chewy-old-fashioned-recipe/