Candied Fruit Cookies are a festive and colorful treat that combines the sweetness of candied fruits with a buttery, tender cookie base. These cookies are perfect for holidays or special occasions, offering a delightful burst of flavor and a pleasant chewiness in every bite. The vibrant mix of candied cherries, citrus peel, and other dried fruits adds both visual appeal and a sweet, fruity taste that pairs wonderfully with the rich, buttery dough. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or given as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup candied cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup candied citrus peel, chopped
- 1/2 cup golden raisins or other dried fruits, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Candied Fruits and Nuts:
- Gently fold in the chopped candied cherries, citrus peel, raisins, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your Candied Fruit Cookies, a delightful and colorful treat that’s perfect for sharing and celebrating special moments!
