Chewy Fruitcake Cookies

By msippigrl

Homemade spice cookies with candied fruit and nuts. A much lighter take on traditional fruitcake.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 1 1/2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 1/2 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 1/2 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 1/3 1/3 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 1/4 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 1 1 stick (1/2 c) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 1/2 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 1/2 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 1 1 large egg
• 1 1 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars with and hand mixer until light and fluffy, 4-5 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and blend well. Add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and mix on low speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix it. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the dried fruit and nuts.

Drop dough by tablespoons onto to the lined cookie sheet, about 2" apart.

Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. (Don't overbake them or they won't be as chewy.)

Cool for 4-5 minutes on the cookie sheet then remove cookies to a wire rack.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.