Need a cookie that embodies the deliciousness of Christmas? These Gluten-Free Fruitcake Cookies are just the ticket. They are chewy, soft, and those little bits of fruit are so tasty, you’ll want to eat the whole plate. Even if you don’t like fruitcake, you’re going to love this fun twist on a festive dessert.
I know, the rivalry between fruitcake lovers and haters is strong. And some of you might be thinking. Fruitcake? Why did you do that to a cookie? My friends, you’ve got to try these heavenly treats. They might even turn you into a fruitcake lover. Or at least a fruitcake cookie lover.
Why fruitcake cookies?
Well, I just had to give this recipe a whirl. As a fruitcake lover myself, I had to find a new way to use candied fruit! I can’t resist candied citrus, cherries, and pineapple. And all those fruits make great desserts and go well into a nice, chewy cookie, right?
So, I tried it and the results were so much better than I ever expected! I’m so excited for you to try these cookies. Better yet, they’re very simple to make.
Need another simple cookie recipe? Try these Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies and Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies (Gluten-Free).
Here's why I think you may just love them...
Chewy & nostalgic - I like to use the traditional candied fruit that I can get at the grocery store during the holiday season. This candied fruit makes these cookies even easier to make and bake and they come out so chewy with that nostalgic fruitcake flavor that makes you think of grandma.
Way easier than fruitcake (and lighter too) - Ok making fruitcake isn't always the easiest but these cookies couldn't be Moore simple! We started with our favorite chocolate chip cookies base and then added in the yummy flavors of fruitcake and the result? A light and chewy cookie that screams Christmas!
More modern take on a classic - When was the last time you heard of fruitcake COOKIES being delivered for the holidays? Not much but these tasty cookies bring back a classic holiday flavor to the younger generation in a way that they will like much better. I mean, who doesn't like a cookie?!
other key ingredients in these cookies?
- Gluten-free flour - Use your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour for this recipe. My personal favorite is King Arthur Measure for Measure flour.
- Brown Sugar - Mmm, I love how chewy this sugar makes these cookies.
- Butter - Both salted and unsalted work great. And this recipe works exceptionally well with dairy-free butter too!
- Rum extract - For even more flavor!
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg - Cinnamon gives these cookies a little extra punch while the nutmeg is in my mind, a secret ingredient. You don't need much, but it make this recipe sing.
- Crushed walnuts - Add that little bit of crunchy texture that is so good and a must in traditional fruitcake so seemed fitting here.
How do I make these fruitcake cookies?
Making these cookies is quite simple. Just start with a preheat of the oven to 350 degrees then mix butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then add eggs, vanilla, and rum extract and mix some more.
Combine dry ingredients in a different bowl then slowly add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold in the candied fruit and nuts.
Cover the cookie and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This is key for aa moist and chewy cookie. Then remove and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Be sure to cool the cookies slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling.
Need more cookie recipes?
I have tons of amazing cookie recipes. Try them all!
- Gluten-Free Gingerbread (No Chill!)
- Gluten-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies (Snowball Cookies)
- Gluten-Free Cookie Cake
- Grinch Cookies (Easy 4-Ingredient Recipe)
- Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies
Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!
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Soft and Chewy Gluten Free Fruitcake Cookies
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Brown Sugar
- ½ cup Sugar
- ¾ cup Butter melted
- 2 Eggs
- ½ teaspoon Gluten-Free Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon Rum Extract
- 1 ⅔ cup Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour
- ¼ cup Almond Flour
- ½ teaspoon Real Salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 cup Candied Fruit
- ⅓ cup Crushed Walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then add eggs, vanilla, and rum extract. Mix some more.
- In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients, minus the fruit. While mixing, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Cover the cookie and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Remove and drop by heaping tablespoon onto silicone mat or parchment-paper-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling.
- Enjoy!
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