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The Best Chewy Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

A close-up of a stack of chewy fruitcake cookies loaded with pecans and candied fruit pieces.
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Bake these classic fruitcake cookies packed with candied fruit and pecans. This recipe delivers the perfect chewy texture for your holiday baking.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mixed candied fruit, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup chopped glacé cherries
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped candied pineapple
  • 1/4 cup brandy or orange juice (optional, for soaking fruit)

Instructions

  1. If using brandy or juice, soak the candied fruit, cherries, and pineapple in the liquid for at least 30 minutes, then drain well.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for texture.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Gently fold in the drained candied fruit, pecans, cherries, and pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  8. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
  9. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the dough.
  • If you prefer a less dense cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
  • These buttery holiday cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/fruitcake-cookies-best-chewy-old-fashioned/