Do you love cookies full of fruit and flavor? Then you will love this Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft, chewy and full of rich taste.
They smell amazing when baked and taste even better when cooled. You can make them for holidays or anytime you want a sweet treat
The Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t take much time. It uses simple items that you can find easily in your kitchen.
Each bite is a mix of nuts, fruits and warm spices. They are perfect with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.
If you want to learn how to make Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies, this guide is just for you. I’ll share all the steps, tips, and tricks to make these cookies turn out perfect every time.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe last Christmas and it was a hit in my home. The smell of baking cookies filled the air and everyone loved it. These cookies reminded me of the classic fruitcake but in a smaller, softer version.
Now, I make this Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies Recipe every year. It has become a holiday favorite in my house.
The best part was how easy it was to make them. I mixed everything in one bowl, baked them and they came out golden and chewy. Even people who don’t like fruitcake enjoyed these cookies. They’re festive, colorful, and full of flavor.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped candied cherries
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped pineapple (candied or dried)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix again until the mixture looks light and fluffy.
4. Combine Dry Items
In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well.
5. Add Dry Mix to Wet Mix
Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until everything blends together.
6. Add Nuts and Fruits
Add chopped pecans, walnuts, cherries, pineapple, and dates. Mix gently with a spatula.
7. Scoop the Dough
Use a spoon to scoop small balls of dough onto the baking sheet. Keep space between them.
8. Bake the Cookies
Place the sheet in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on a rack for 10 minutes.
10. Enjoy the Cookies
Once cooled, serve your Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies with tea, coffee, or milk.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh nuts and dried fruits for better flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough, or cookies may turn hard.
- You can add a bit of orange zest for extra taste.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking for better shape.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight box to keep them soft.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
Serving Suggestions
These cookies taste great with a hot drink like coffee or cocoa. You can also pack them as gifts during holidays.
Wrap them in colorful paper or place them in a glass jar. They make a lovely homemade treat for friends and family. You can also crumble them on ice cream or yogurt for a fun dessert twist.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Hot chocolate or milk
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream topping
- A cup of warm coffee or tea
- Fruit salad on the side
These sides make the Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies Recipe even more special and delicious.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay good for 5–7 days.
- For longer storage, freeze them. Place cookies in a freezer bag with layers of parchment paper.
- To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. They will taste fresh again.
- Don’t microwave them too long, or they will become hard.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies
Q1: Can I use different fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can. Try raisins, cranberries, or dried apricots. You can mix your favorite dried fruits for your own taste.
Q2: How to make Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies soft?
Don’t overbake them. Take them out when edges are golden and centers are soft. Cooling helps them stay chewy.
Q3: Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 2 days. Store it in the fridge and bake when ready.
Q4: Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, you can skip or replace nuts with extra dried fruits. It’s a great choice for nut allergies.
Q5: How long can I freeze the cookies?
You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving for a fresh taste.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fruity and nutty cookies. They are simple to make, full of flavor and great for sharing.
These cookies bring warmth and joy to your home. Whether it’s Christmas, a party, or a cozy day, they fit every moment. Now you know how to make Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies, so get your ingredients and start baking today.
Your home will smell amazing, and everyone will ask for more. Enjoy every bite of this sweet, festive treat!
Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped candied cherries
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped pineapple candied or dried
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix again until the mixture looks light and fluffy.
Combine Dry Items
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well.
Add Dry Mix to Wet Mix
- Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until everything blends together.
Add Nuts and Fruits
- Add chopped pecans, walnuts, cherries, pineapple, and dates. Mix gently with a spatula.
Scoop the Dough
- Use a spoon to scoop small balls of dough onto the baking sheet. Keep space between them.
Bake the Cookies
- Place the sheet in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
Cool the Cookies
- Remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on a rack for 10 minutes.
Enjoy the Cookies
- Once cooled, serve your Pioneer Woman Fruitcake Cookies with tea, coffee, or milk.
Notes
- Use fresh nuts and dried fruits for better flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough, or cookies may turn hard.
- You can add a bit of orange zest for extra taste.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking for better shape.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight box to keep them soft.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
