• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ahead of Thyme logo

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Press
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Food Blogger Business School
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Cookies » Fruitcake Cookies

    Fruitcake Cookies

    1 Comment

    48 Shares
    Pin47
    Yum1
    Share
    Tweet
    More
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and make it even more appealing in cookie form. These soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies are golden brown with crisp edges and loaded with colorful candied fruit and flavor.

    Add these fruitcake cookies to your holiday baking list to round out your cookie lineup and satisfy guests young and old! They’re quick and easy to make with a handful of baking staples in under 25 minutes (with no chilling required!). Plus, make ahead and freezer-friendly too!

    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com

    Why You'll Love these Fruitcake Cookies

    • They’re perfect for Christmas. Fruitcake and Christmas go hand in hand. Loaded with candied red and green cherries and yellow candied pineapple that makes a festive array of colors that your eyes will feast on before your tongue even gets a taste. Serve these anytime this holiday season and watch your friends and families’ faces light up!
    • They’re made with real fruit. Though most of the fruit in this recipe is candied (with the exception of the raisins), the raisins, pineapple, and cherries called for here are real fruits that are dried, not substitutes or synthetics.
    • A classic soft and chewy texture. These cookies are tall, thick, and chewy — no thin, crisp, and brittle cookies here! They are similar in texture to our Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. So satisfying!
    • Quick and easy to make. Fruitcake cookies are easy to prepare in about 10 minutes before popping into the oven for 15 minutes to bake. They are perfect for a last minute sugar fix!
    • Get the best of both desserts. When you make these fruitcake cookies, you essentially get 2 desserts in one. Enjoy the classic taste of fruitcake with the texture and portability of a cookie. It’s seriously the best!
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ingredient Notes

    To make these easy and festive Fruitcake Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

    • all-purpose flour - if you or someone in your family has a sensitivity to gluten, use a measure-for-measure gluten free flour instead.
    • baking soda - 3 teaspoons of baking powder can be used in place of every one teaspoon in the recipe, but the texture of the cookies may change slightly.
    • dark brown sugar - use light brown sugar or white sugar and molasses if you need to find a replacement for dark brown sugar.
    • granulated sugar - you can use virtually any kind of sugar or sugar substitute here, like coconut sugar, date sugar, erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit, but beware that your selection may slightly alter the flavor of the cookies.
    • butter - use your favorite plant-based butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
    • egg and egg yolk - use an egg yolk separator to easily remove the yolk from the whites if you need to.
    • vanilla extract - vanilla bean paste can be used in place of extract at a 1:1 ratio for richer flavor.
    • red candied cherries - these can be found in the baking aisle or seasonal aisle of your local grocery store this time of year, or you’re welcome to use homemade candied cherries instead.
    • green candied cherries - the same goes for the green ones — store bought and homemade are equally as useful in this recipe.
    • candied pineapple - candied pineapple should be found near the candied cherries in the baking section or seasonal section or in the dry fruits and nuts section.
    • raisins - you can also try using chopped dried dates or figs if you prefer.
    • walnuts - use chopped pecans, pistachios, or omit nuts altogether to suit your tastes.
    • salt
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com

    Baking Tools Needed

    You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

    • measuring cups and spoons
    • mixing bowls
    • hand mixer or stand mixer
    • cookie scoop
    • half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
    • wire cooling rack

    How to Make the Best Fruitcake Cookies

    1. Combine dry ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Combine sugars with butter. In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment fitted (or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter together and beat until well mixed, about 1 minute.
    2. Add wet ingredients. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, and mix for 1 more minute. Scrape down the sides, then mix again until combined.
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Add dry ingredients. With the mixer running on low, add the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Fold in mix ins. Fold in candied cherries, candied pineapple, raisins, and walnuts.
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Scoop cookies. Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough. Use your hands to roll into balls. Place each cookie ball 2 inches apart on a half sheet baking pan lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Bake. Bake in a 325F preheated oven for 15 minutes, rotating the tray about halfway through cook time. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes further. 
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Serve

    Serve these Fruitcake Cookies with other traditional Christmas treats. What’s more festive than fruitcake? Fruitcake cookies served with an assortment of classic holiday cookies:

    • Gingerbread Cookies
    • Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
    • Pinwheel Cookies
    • Lemon Drop Cookies
    • Peanut Butter Blossoms
    • Gingersnaps

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    • Spread some cheer. Fruitcake cookies make great gifts for friends, family, and local businesses. Drop off festive holiday tins full of fruitcake cookies to your neighbors and loved ones to spread the Christmas cheer and show you’re thinking about them this holiday season!
    • Make ahead for easy serving. Make the dough and refrigerate overnight or freeze for a few days before baking to make holiday preparations even easier! They freeze well both before and after baking, so go ahead and make a big batch and watch how easily they disappear!
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com

    Storing and Freezing Instructions

    How to Store

    Store leftover fruitcake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also store them in the fridge for up to one month, but they may lose some of their chewiness.

    How to Freeze

    Fruitcake cookies also freeze well. Let them cool completely first, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

    How to Freeze Cookie Dough

    To freeze fruitcake cookie dough before baking, scoop out the cookie balls and place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for 1 hour until hard. Then, transfer the cookie dough balls into a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake according to recipe instructions. You may need to add a couple minutes to the cook time if the cookie dough is not at room temperature before baking.

    More Cookie Recipes

    • 50 Best Cookie Recipes
    • White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
    • Italian Christmas Cookies
    • Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
    • Eggnog Cookies
    • Coconut Macaroons

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

    Print

    Recipe

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com

    Fruitcake Cookies


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 24 cookies
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and make it even more appealing in cookie form. These soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies are golden brown with crisp edges and loaded with colorful candied fruit and flavor. 


    Ingredients

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 large egg yolk
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • ½ cup red candied cherries, coarsely chopped
    • ½ cup green candied cherries, coarsely chopped
    • 1 cup candied pineapple, coarsely chopped
    • 1 cup raisins
    • 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
    2. In a small mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    3. In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment fitted (or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter together and beat until well mixed, about 1 minute.
    4. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, and mix for 1 more minute. Scrape down the sides, then mix again until combined.
    5. With the mixer running on low, add the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
    6. Fold in candied cherries, candied pineapple, raisins, and walnuts.
    7. Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough. Use your hands to roll into balls. Place each cookie ball 2 inches apart on a half sheet baking pan lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
    8. Bake for 15 minutes, rotating the tray about halfway through cook time.
    9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes further. 

    Notes

    How to store: Store leftover fruitcake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also store them in the fridge for up to one month, but they may lose some of their chewiness.

    How to freeze: Fruitcake cookies also freeze well. Let them cool completely first, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

    Freezing cookie dough: To freeze fruitcake cookie dough before baking, scoop out the cookie balls and place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for 1 hour until hard. Then, transfer the cookie dough balls into a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake according to recipe instructions. You may need to add a couple minutes to the cook time if the cookie dough is not at room temperature before baking.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Cookies
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com
    Fruitcake Cookies
    48 Shares
    Pin47
    Yum1
    Share
    Tweet
    More
    « Peppermint Macarons
    Hot Chocolate Cookies »

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kelly says

      December 15, 2022 at 1:25 am

      These were so good soft and chewy!

      Reply

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Quick and easy recipes for the everyday home cook, using fresh, seasonal and wholesome ingredients -- from healthy meals to take-out to comfort foods. | aheadofthyme.com

    Hi, we're Sam and Dan! We like to help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you can find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. Read more about us

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Ahead of Thyme

    Hello and welcome! I'm Sam -- the founder of Ahead of Thyme, where we help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you will find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. So stay a while, browse around, and make something tasty for dinner tonight.

    • RSS Feed
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Work with Us
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Food Blogger Business School
    • Newsletter

    Browse

    • 60+ Easy Dinners
    • 60+ Chicken Recipes
    • 25+ Ground Beef Recipes
    • 40+ Pasta Recipes
    • 50+ Bread Recipes
    • 25+ Air Fryer Recipes
    • Dessert

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Copyright © 2023 Ahead of Thyme Incorporated