If you love holiday flavors but crave a new twist, Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine the classic nostalgia of fruitcake—with all its colorful fruits, warm spices, and nutty goodness—reinvented as a soft, moist, and irresistibly chewy cookie. These cookies are a glorious mashup of festive flavors and modern-day cookie charm, perfect for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each item here serves an essential role in making these cookies truly special. You’ll find a beautiful balance of sweet, spice, and chewiness, all thanks to these pantry staples and a few festive add-ins.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, tender base for the cookies, giving them that deliciously buttery flavor and perfect texture.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds deep caramel notes and helps make the cookies extra chewy and moist.
- Granulated sugar: Gives just the right amount of sweetness and balance to the dough.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to that soft, cake-like crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and brings out the warmth of the spices.
- Molasses: Lends a gorgeous depth of flavor and a slight chew, key to the “fruitcake” experience.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and light.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies a little lift, ensuring they’re not too dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds classic holiday warmth and spice—not to be skipped!
- Ground nutmeg: Gives an aromatic, cozy note that pairs beautifully with the candied fruit.
- Salt: Just a touch brings all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Chopped candied mixed fruit: The star of the show! Each bite bursts with festive flavor and color.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: Add delightful crunch and a touch of buttery, nutty richness.
- Chopped dried cherries or cranberries: Bring tartness and chew that make the cookies extra special.
- Golden raisins: Offer pockets of plump, juicy sweetness throughout every bite.
How to Make Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies slide off perfectly after baking, and there’s minimal cleanup to worry about. This quick step sets you up for baking success!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to beat these together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined. This process creates the base for your chewy texture and rich flavor. Take your time—the more air you whip in, the better the cookies will be.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Molasses
Once your butter-sugar blend is ready, beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and molasses. You’ll notice the dough take on a gorgeous golden hue and a deliciously inviting aroma. These additions add moisture and binding power while loading the dough with flavor reminiscent of a classic fruitcake.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This not only ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed but also helps creates a soft, tender cookie crumb. No dry spots or uneven flavor here!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing—stop as soon as the flour disappears into the dough. A gentle stir keeps the cookies tender and prevents them from becoming tough.
Step 6: Fold in All the Goodies
Now comes the fun: fold in the chopped candied mixed fruit, pecans or walnuts, dried cherries or cranberries, and golden raisins. Each stir distributes jewels of color and bursts of flavor throughout your dough, promising Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies in every single nibble!
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the centers look set. This precise baking time ensures a chewy center with just a hint of crunch on the outside. Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving to a wire rack—this helps them set and develop their signature texture.
How to Serve Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies
Garnishes
Take your Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies to the next level by adding a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of white chocolate, or even a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts right after baking. These little touches make your cookies look as festive as they taste!
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a mug of hot spiced tea, mulled wine, or a creamy latte for pure cozy bliss. For a holiday dessert spread, they shine alongside other classics like gingerbread or biscotti, offering a chewy, fruity alternative that stands out in a crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Or arrange them in a pretty tin with parchment dividers and a handwritten note. For a party, pile Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies high on a cake stand and tuck sprigs of rosemary or sugared cranberries around for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies chewy and luscious by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days, and actually get even chewier after the first day! Slip a slice of sandwich bread in the container to maintain moisture for even longer.
Freezing
If you want to make your Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies ahead, freeze the baked (and cooled) cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll maintain their fabulous flavor and texture for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 8 to 10 seconds. This little trick makes the centers ultra-gooey and warm, just as if you’d baked them moments ago.
FAQs
Can I use different dried fruits in these Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite dried fruits or use what you have on hand. Apricots, pineapple, or even chopped dates are delicious options that complement the other flavors beautifully.
Do I need to soak the dried fruit before adding it to the cookie dough?
While it’s not required, soaking the dried fruit in a bit of orange juice or rum for 10 to 15 minutes can add an extra layer of flavor and make the fruit even plumper and juicier. Just drain well before folding into the dough.
Can I make Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies without nuts?
Yes! Just leave the pecans or walnuts out if you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free version. The cookies are still delightfully chewy and flavorful without them.
How can I make my cookies even chewier?
Make sure not to overbake them—pull the cookies from the oven just as the edges begin to turn golden. Also, storing them in an airtight container (with a slice of bread) helps lock in moisture and chewiness.
Are these cookies good for gifting or shipping?
Absolutely! Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies hold up very well for mailing or gifting, especially since they stay moist and flavorful for days. Pack them snugly in a tin or sturdy box with paper to cushion them, and they’ll arrive just as delicious as when they left your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie that blends nostalgia, festive flair, and pure comfort, Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies are calling your name. With each tender bite, you’ll taste the best parts of the holiday season, all wrapped up in a cookie you’ll want to make again and again. Give them a try—your kitchen (and your cookie jar) will thank you!
Print
Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Decadent Chewy Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional fruitcake flavors, packed with candied fruit, nuts, and warm spices. Perfect for holiday baking or a sweet treat any time of year!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped candied mixed fruit
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries or cranberries
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla, and molasses until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the candied fruit, nuts, dried cherries, and raisins.
- Bake the cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Let cool before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- These cookies get chewier after a day—store them in an airtight container to maintain texture.
- You can soak the dried fruit in a little orange juice or rum beforehand for extra flavor.
- Great for holiday cookie platters!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
