There’s something magical about holiday baking, isn’t there? The warmth of the oven, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air, and the joy of sharing delicious treats with loved ones. These Chewy Fruitcake Cookies bring all of that festive charm in a perfectly chewy, sweet, and spiced cookie! If you love the traditional flavors of fruitcake but want something more snackable, this recipe is for you.
These cookies are buttery, packed with candied fruit, crunchy nuts, and a hint of warm spice, making them an irresistible holiday treat! Plus, they store beautifully, so they’re perfect for gifting or making ahead. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Chewy Fruitcake Cookies
- All the flavor of fruitcake, without the wait! No long soaking times—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfectly chewy and spiced with a crisp edge and a soft center.
- Loaded with festive mix-ins! Candied fruit, nuts, and raisins add texture and sweetness.
- Easy to make ahead—they taste even better the next day!
- Great for gifting—wrap them up in festive tins for a homemade holiday present.
What Do These Fruitcake Cookies Taste Like?
If you’re thinking of dry, dense fruitcake, think again! These cookies are soft, chewy, and buttery, with bursts of sweetness from the candied fruit and raisins. The chopped nuts add a satisfying crunch, while the cinnamon and nutmeg bring a cozy, holiday-spiced flavor. They taste like Christmas in every bite!
Ingredients for Chewy Fruitcake Cookies
To make these deliciously chewy fruitcake cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – For a rich, buttery base.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Helps bind the cookies and add softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped candied fruit – Adds colorful, chewy bits of sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – Provides a crunchy contrast.
- 1 cup raisins – Adds natural sweetness and chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – A classic holiday spice.

Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire cooling rack
Optional Additions and Substitutions
Want to customize your cookies? Here are some fun variations:
- Swap the nuts – Try almonds or hazelnuts for a different crunch.
- Use different dried fruit – Chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or dates work great!
- Add chocolate chips – A little chocolate makes everything better.
- Drizzle with icing – A light vanilla glaze adds extra sweetness.
- Soak the raisins – For extra flavor, soak them in rum or orange juice before adding to the dough.
How to Make Chewy Fruitcake Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create the perfect chewy texture.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the Mix-Ins
Stir in the chopped candied fruit, nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and loaded with festive goodness!
6. Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may look slightly soft—that’s okay! They’ll firm up as they cool.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, grab a glass of milk or a cup of tea and enjoy!
What to Serve with Fruitcake Cookies
These cookies pair perfectly with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea – The warmth enhances the cozy flavors.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The contrast of cold and warm is heavenly.
- A glass of eggnog – For the ultimate holiday treat!
Tips for the Best Fruitcake Cookies
- Use room temperature butter – It creams better and helps with the perfect texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough – Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of chewy.
- Let them cool properly – They’ll be delicate when fresh from the oven, so give them time to set.
- Store them right – Keep them fresh with the storage tips below!
How to Store and Freeze Chewy Fruitcake Cookies
Storing
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To keep them extra soft, place a slice of white bread in the container!
Freezing
- Freeze baked cookies: Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Freeze the dough: Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 2 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Do I have to use candied fruit?
No, you can swap in dried fruit like cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates if you prefer.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Holiday Treat!
These Chewy Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on classic fruitcake, offering chewiness, crunch, and a festive flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just for yourself (no judgment!), this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
If you love these cookies, you might also enjoy these Pecan Pie Cookies – A Nostalgic Treat for Cookie Lovers. They’re just as delicious and perfect for the holiday season!