Fruitcake Cookies(Very Good)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Fruitcake Cookies are rich, flavorful treats packed with candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Their moist, chewy texture and festive taste make them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful snack. A delicious blend of sweetness and nutty goodness that appeals to fruit lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cups flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 4 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 to 6 ounces orange juice
  • 1 pound candied pineapple
  • 1/2 pound candied cherries
  • 1 pound white raisins
  • 1 1/2 pounds pecans

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and brown sugar together.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, soda, nutmeg, and vanilla.
  4. Alternately add the dry mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly.
  5. Chop candied pineapple, cherries, and white raisins; dredge them in a little flour.
  6. Fold chopped fruits and pecans into the batter.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of regular butter. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can substitute some of the brown sugar with white sugar. You can also mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture. If you don't have buttermilk, mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar can be a good substitute.

Serving Suggestions

These fruitcake cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Homemade Pumpkin Pie during the holidays. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover fruitcake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, which will help restore their original texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fruitcake Cookies(Very Good) contains roughly 555 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

555 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 39.8g 51% DV
Carbs 40.9g 15% DV
Fiber 6.8g 24% DV
Sugar 12.2g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 24.9mg 1% DV
Potassium 198.4mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 86.6mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 6.6mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 75.9mg 6% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh fruit instead of candied fruit?

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider using dried fruit instead of candied options. Dried fruit provides a similar flavor without the added sugars, and you can adjust the sweetness of the batter to your liking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of wheat flour. You may need to adjust the liquid proportions slightly for the best results.

What can I do if my batter is too dry?

If your batter is too dry, try adding a small amount of orange juice or buttermilk to achieve the desired consistency. Start with a tablespoon at a time until the batter becomes moist enough to drop from a spoon easily. Avoid adding too much liquid at once to maintain the cookie structure.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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