Ruby’s Fruitcake Cookies Recipe ๐ช
Overview:
Ruby’s Fruitcake Cookies are a labor of love, but the end result is a batch of delicious treats that are well worth the effort. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is perfect for Christmas or any time you’re craving a sweet, fruity dessert. With a blend of candied fruit, dates, pecans, and a hint of Bourbon, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they can be baked and stored for months in the freezer, making them a convenient option for busy bakers!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1/4 cup Bourbon
- 2 cups raisins
- 1/2 cup dates
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 3 cups plain flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by preparing the fruits and nuts. Cut the candied fruit and dates into small pieces, and chop the pecans. This step is labor-intensive but essential for the best result. The fruits and nuts should be quartered or smaller, but still distinct pieces. |
| 2 | Preheat your oven to 250ยฐF (120ยฐC). |
| 3 | In a separate bowl, combine the plain flour with the nutmeg, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and ground cloves. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices. |
| 4 | In a very large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and light brown sugar until smooth and creamy. |
| 5 | Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. |
| 6 | Pour in the milk and Bourbon, and mix until fully incorporated. The Bourbon adds a delightful depth of flavor to these cookies. |
| 7 | Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick cookie dough forms. |
| 8 | Gently fold in the chopped fruits and pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This may get messy, but it’s easier to do this step by hand to ensure everything is well combined. |
| 9 | Using a teaspoon, drop small amounts of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The cookies won’t spread much during baking, so you can place them relatively close together. You should be able to fit about 30 cookies on one sheet. |
| 10 | Bake each batch of cookies in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until they are slightly browned and firm but not hard. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in dry cookies. |
| 11 | Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. |
| 12 | Once cooled, enjoy your Ruby’s Fruitcake Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. These cookies also make lovely gifts for friends and family during the holiday season. |
| 13 | Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving. |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 28.1
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 3.7mg
- Sodium: 10.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.6g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 3.4g
- Protein: 0.3g
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, try soaking the raisins in Bourbon for a few hours before adding them to the cookie dough.
- Don’t skip the step of chopping the fruits and nuts into small pieces. This ensures that each cookie has a delicious mix of ingredients in every bite.
- If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time to prevent them from becoming too hard.
- These cookies can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or additional spices to create your own unique version of Ruby’s Fruitcake Cookies.
Conclusion:
With their rich flavor and chewy texture, Ruby’s Fruitcake Cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. While they may require some extra time and effort to prepare, the end result is a batch of cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them all to yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Happy baking! ๐ช๐
