Fruitcake Delight Cookies

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Makes: 36 cookies

Ingredients

For the Fruit Mixture:

• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, dried cranberries)
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried pineapple, diced
• 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup candied orange peel, chopped
• 1/4 cup dark rum or orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the Nuts:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit:

1. In a medium bowl, combine all dried fruits with rum or orange juice and orange zest.
2. Stir well and let soak for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain any excess liquid before using.

Make the Cookie Dough:

4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt.
6. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
7. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extracts.
8. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
9. Fold in the soaked fruit mixture and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

Bake the Cookies:

10. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers still look slightly underdone.
12. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Make the Glaze (Optional):

13. While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
14. Drizzle over cooled cookies or dip the tops for a more generous coating.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Soak the Fruit: Don’t skip the soaking step – it prevents the fruit from drawing moisture from the cookies
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies continue cooking on the hot pan, so slightly underdone is perfect
• Mix Gently: Fold in fruits and nuts gently to prevent overmixing
• Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly

Storage Instructions

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
• Cookies actually improve in flavor after a day or two
• Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
• Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking

Variations

Tropical Fruitcake Cookies:

• Use dried mango, papaya, and coconut flakes
• Add macadamia nuts instead of walnuts
• Use coconut extract in place of almond extract

Chocolate Fruitcake Cookies:

• Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• Replace 1/4 cup flour with cocoa powder
• Use dark chocolate glaze instead of vanilla

Spiced Rum Version:

• Increase rum to 1/3 cup for soaking
• Add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Brush finished cookies with additional rum

Miniature Version:

• Drop by teaspoons for bite-sized cookies
• Reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes
• Perfect for cookie platters and gift boxes

Make-Ahead Tips

• Cookie dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated
• Shaped cookies can be frozen on trays, then stored in bags
• Bake frozen cookies directly, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time

Gift Ideas

• Package in decorative tins for holiday gifts
• Wrap individual cookies in cellophane for party favors
• Include recipe cards for a thoughtful touch
• Layer in gift boxes with parchment paper

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
• Great addition to holiday cookie platters
• Lovely with vanilla ice cream for dessert
• Pack for lunch boxes or afternoon snacks

Nutritional Benefits

• Dried fruits provide fiber and antioxidants
• Nuts add healthy fats and protein
• Spices offer anti-inflammatory properties
• Portion-controlled compared to traditional fruitcake

These Fruitcake Delight Cookies offer all the festive flavors of traditional fruitcake in a much more approachable and delicious form. They’re perfect for anyone who loves the idea of fruitcake but prefers it in cookie form!