Easy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe Everyone Will Love

Let’s be honest—traditional fruitcake can be a bit intimidating. Dense, heavy, and packed with fruit, it’s often left sitting on the shelf. But what if you could enjoy the same festive flavors without the fuss?

Enter fruitcake cookies: small, soft, and full of holiday magic. Every bite brings juicy dried fruits, a hint of spice, and a satisfying nutty crunch. Perfect for sharing at parties, giving as gifts, or sneaking a few for yourself while sipping hot cocoa.

This guide will walk you through a simple, foolproof recipe so you can bring the festive spirit to your kitchen in under an hour.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
  
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  

Add-ins:

• 1 cup chopped dried fruits (raisins, cherries, apricots, cranberries)
  
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your favorite)
  
• Optional: 1/4 cup candied orange peel
  

Pro Tip: Soak the dried fruits in a splash of orange juice or rum for 20–30 minutes before baking. It keeps them plump and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Oven and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the butter with both sugars until creamy and slightly fluffy. This step is crucial for soft, tender cookies.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make cookies tough.

6. Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Add the soaked, drained fruits and nuts. Gently fold them in so every cookie has a balanced amount of goodies.

7. Shape the Cookies

Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop dough onto the baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie—they will spread slightly.

8. Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes. The cookies should feel firm around the edges but slightly soft in the center. They continue to set as they cool.

9. Cool and Store

Let cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to a week—or freeze for longer keeping.

Tips for Perfect Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

• Chewy or cakey? Pull cookies a minute early for a chewy center.
  
• Fruit size matters: Chop larger dried fruits to avoid oversized bites.
  
• Spice it up: Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg according to taste—don’t be shy!
  
• Nut options: Almonds, pistachios, or even a nut mix can work beautifully.
  
• Optional glaze: A drizzle of powdered sugar or honey adds a festive finish.
  

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Fruitcake Cookies: Mix in 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips for a twist.
  
• Tropical Fruit: Substitute some fruits with dried pineapple, mango, or papaya.
  
• Mini Bites: Roll dough into 1-inch balls for snackable, party-friendly cookies.
  

Why You’ll Love This Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

• Tiny, festive bites full of flavor
  
• Soft, tender texture with a satisfying fruit and nut crunch
  
• Easy to make and share—perfect for holiday gatherings or gifts
  
• Flexible recipe to suit your taste and pantry
  

Bring the joy of the holidays into your kitchen with these fruitcake cookies. Bake a batch, share them with friends or family, and savor the flavors of the season in every bite.

Love festive cookies? Try this Almond Cherry Cookies recipe for a soft, buttery treat with sweet cherries. Perfect alongside your fruitcake cookies

Conclusion

These fruitcake cookies are the perfect way to enjoy holiday flavors without the fuss of a traditional fruitcake. Soft, fruity, and spiced just right, they’re great for sharing, gifting, or treating yourself. Bake a batch, savor each bite, and let the festive spirit fill your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fruitcake Cookies