Quick Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Decadent chewy fruitcake cookies are perfect for anyone who loves warm, festive flavors. Whether you love a classic fruitcake or you just want to have a higher-end cookie experience, this one ticks all of the boxes. They’re quick to whip up, inherently customizable, and basically impossible to resist!

Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply have a taste for something delicious, this recipe has all the appeal of classic fruitcake in the form of a delightful cookie. And the best part? They’re easy to make and people love them everywhere.

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Quick Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

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Master these chewy fruitcake cookies with this easy step-by-step. And I’ll include everything you need to know, from prep time to pro tips for serving, and I’ll answer those all-important questions about this crowd-pleaser of a dessert. Let’s get baking!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (Including Chill Time: 1 hour )
  • Yield: 20 cookies (approx.) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these chewy fruitcake cookies. Most are pantry staples, but feel free to customize the dried fruits and nuts to your liking.

Dry Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder 
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda 
  • ¼ teaspoon salt 
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 

Wet Ingredients 

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick) 
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed 
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar 
  • 1 large egg 
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest 

Fruitcake Mix-Ins 

 

  • ½ cup chopped dried apricots
  • ½ cup candied cherries, chopped 
  • ½ cup raisins or golden raisins 
  • ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans 
  • ⅓ cup chopped candied pineapple 
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons brandy for soaking fruit (for a boozy twist) 

Instructions

Step 1. Prep Your Fruit 

For extra flavour, soak the dried fruits (apricots, raisins, and candied cherries) in 2 tablespoons of brandy or orange juice for about 15 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended. Drain any excess liquid before using.

Step 2. Mix Dry Ingredients 

Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk well and set aside.

Step 3. Cream Butter & Sugar 

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Then, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.

Step 4. Combine & Fold 

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined (don’t overmix!). Fold in the soaked fruit and chopped nuts by hand to evenly distribute the mix-ins.

Step 5. Chill the Dough 

To ensure chewy cookies, don’t skip this important step! Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for even better flavour.

Step 6. Bake to Perfection 

Step 7. Serve & Enjoy 

 

Serve these chewy fruitcake cookies as a festive dessert, a tea-time treat, or even a delicious homemade gift for loved ones. Pair with hot cocoa, spiced cider, or your favourite coffee for an extra-special moment.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per cookie) 

  • Calories: 145 
  • Total Fat: 6g 
  • Saturated Fat: 3g 
  • Cholesterol: 20mg 
  • Sodium: 45mg 
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g 
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g 
  • Sugars: 12g 
  • Protein: 2g 

 

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and exact measurements.

  • Author: Susan M
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I prepare these cookies in advance?

Absolutely! These cookies are good for 4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls, too — for up to 3 months. Simply bake right from frozen — no thawing necessary!

2. Can I customize the mix-ins?

2. Can I customize the mix-ins?
Of course! You can sub in your preferred dried fruits, nuts or chocolate chips. Just do not exceed about 1 ½ cups total mix-ins — and you’re golden.

3. What’s the secret of chewy cookies?

Chilling the dough is also key to chewiness because it reduces spread and develops the flavors. Also, don’t overbake — the centers should appear a little underbaked when you pull them from the oven.

4. Are these cookies free of alcohol?

Yes, you can make these cookies without the alcohol. Replace the brandy with orange juice if you’re soaking the fruits, or leave out the soaking step altogether.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes, you may use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to hold it all together.

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