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Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

The pioneer woman fruitcake cookies recipe is a delightful twist on the classic holiday fruitcake, transforming traditional festive flavors into soft, buttery cookies loaded with colorful candied fruit and crunchy nuts.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill and Glaze time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup salted butter softened
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup chopped candied green cherries
  • ½ cup chopped candied red cherries
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ¼ cup diced candied orange peel
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 4 tablespoons brandy

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
  2. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
  5. Fold in the chopped candied green cherries, red cherries, pecans, walnuts, and diced candied orange peel until evenly distributed.
  6. Scoop the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches of space between each cookie.
  7. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft.
  10. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
  11. Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange zest, and brandy until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
  12. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set for about 15 minutes before serving.
    Decorate the Cookies and Serve

Video

Notes

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate them for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.