Irresistible Candied Fruit & Bourbon Cookies: Your New Favorite No-Fuss Fruitcake Alternative

For many, the mention of “fruitcake” conjures images of dense, often misunderstood holiday loaves. But what if you could capture the rich, boozy essence of a traditional fruitcake in a more approachable, bite-sized form? Enter these delightful Candied Fruit and Bourbon Cookies. They offer all the festive flavors and boozy warmth without the extensive baking time and effort required for a full-sized fruitcake.

These bourbon-infused cookies are a true revelation for anyone who appreciates a nuanced, yet distinctly present, spirit flavor in their desserts. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of sweet candied fruit, warm spices, and the unmistakable kick of quality bourbon. While the bourbon flavor is not subtle, it beautifully complements the sweetness of the fruit and the earthiness of the nuts, creating a sophisticated and deeply satisfying treat.

Whether you’re a long-time fruitcake enthusiast or someone simply looking for an exciting new holiday cookie to add to your repertoire, these cookies are sure to impress. They’re surprisingly easy to make and, perhaps best of all, they improve with age, making them perfect for preparing in advance and sharing during the festive season. If you’re hesitant about making a large batch, the recipe is easily halved, allowing you to try them out or make a smaller quantity for a more intimate gathering.

We’ve continued to refine this recipe over the years, and even as recently as 2020, we rediscovered just how truly delicious these cookies are. In our latest batch, we omitted the golden raisins, and while the cookies were a tad flatter with slightly less plumpness from the fruit, they were still absolutely wonderful. This goes to show the versatility of the recipe; feel free to experiment with your favorite dried fruits or adjust based on what you have on hand. The core combination of candied fruit, bourbon, and warm spices remains the star, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

Essential Notes for Perfect Candied Fruit & Bourbon Cookies

Crafting the perfect batch of these festive bourbon cookies involves a few key considerations that can elevate your baking experience and the final product.

• The Quality of Candied Fruit Matters: It might seem obvious, but the brand and freshness of the candied fruit you choose significantly impact the taste and texture of your cookies. Some brands offer a more vibrant flavor and softer texture than others. Often, candied fruit appears on shelves only around the holidays, sometimes as early as September, allowing fruitcake enthusiasts to get a head start. If your local stores have limited options, or if you’re baking off-season, remember that you can easily order high-quality candied fruit online to ensure you get the best possible mix for your batch. Look for mixes with a good balance of cherries, pineapples, oranges, and citron for a complex flavor profile.
• The Magic of Soaking: The overnight soak of the candied fruit and raisins in bourbon is not just a step; it’s a crucial part of the process. This extended soak allows the fruits to fully absorb the rich bourbon flavor, becoming plump and infused with aromatic warmth. This deep infusion ensures that the bourbon is integrated throughout the cookie, rather than just being a surface note. Don’t rush this step; patience here truly pays off in the depth of flavor.
• Storage for Enhanced Flavor: Like many fruit-and-spirit-based treats, these cookies improve with time. Once baked and cooled, store your Candied Fruit and Bourbon Cookies at room temperature in an airtight tin. This storage method allows the flavors to meld and deepen over a few days, making the bourbon taste more mellow and harmonious with the fruit and spices. Plan to bake these a few days before you intend to serve them for the best possible flavor experience.
• Choosing Your Bourbon: While any good bourbon will work, a mid-range bourbon that you enjoy drinking will make the best cookies. The flavor of the bourbon is prominent, so selecting one with a profile you appreciate is key. The alcohol content will mostly bake out, leaving behind the rich, caramel, and oak notes that define bourbon.
• Nut Selection: The recipe calls for a mix of chopped walnuts and pecans, which offers a lovely textural contrast and nutty flavor. However, feel free to use all walnuts or all pecans based on your preference. To enhance their flavor, you might lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the batter. This simple step brings out their natural oils and deepens their taste.

Candied Fruit & Bourbon Cookies Recipe

Candied Fruit & Bourbon Cookies

Candied Fruit & Bourbon Cookies are like miniature versions of fruitcake with a good bourbon flavor, perfect for holidays and special occasions.

Author: Anna

Prep Time: 15 hrs

Cook Time: 16 mins

Total Time: 15 hrs 16 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 50 cookies

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Ingredients

• 1 pound (16 oz) chopped candied fruit (cherries, pineapples, oranges, citron mix)
• 1 ¼ cups golden raisins
• ⅔ cup Bourbon whiskey
• 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour (250 grams)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 7 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, cooled (100 grams)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten in a separate bowl
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 2 teaspoons water
• 2 ½ cups chopped walnuts & pecans (or use all pecans or all walnuts)

Instructions

1. Mix the candied fruit and raisins in a bowl, then pour in the Bourbon and stir to coat the fruit thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let it sit overnight at room temperature. This crucial step allows the fruit to absorb the bourbon, intensifying the flavor.
2. The next day, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Prepare a couple of baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or greasing them generously to prevent sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, salt, cinnamon, ground cloves, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until they are well combined and there are no lumps of sugar.
4. To the dry mixture, add the wet ingredients: the lightly beaten eggs, the cooled melted butter, and the baking soda/water mixture. Stir these ingredients together until they are just mixed. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
5. Finally, add the bourbon-soaked fruit (along with any remaining liquid from the soak) and the chopped nuts to the batter. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly blended throughout the dough.
6. Using a generously heaping teaspoon, scoop the batter and place dollops a couple of inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. These cookies will puff up slightly but don’t spread too much, so ensure adequate spacing.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set. Remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the best flavor, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container or tin at room temperature. Allowing them to rest for a few days will enable the bourbon flavor to mellow and integrate even further, resulting in an even more delicious and complex cookie.

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Occasions

These Candied Fruit and Bourbon Cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of settings. Their rich flavor and festive appearance make them an ideal addition to any holiday cookie platter, standing out amongst more traditional options. They also make thoughtful and much-appreciated homemade gifts during the Christmas season, elegantly packaged in decorative tins or boxes.

For an elevated experience, pair these cookies with a warm beverage like a cup of strong black coffee, a comforting spiced tea, or even a glass of mulled wine. The bourbon notes in the cookie resonate beautifully with these drinks. For true bourbon enthusiasts, a small glass of neat bourbon or an old fashioned cocktail can be a surprisingly excellent accompaniment, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing. Don’t limit them to just dessert; they can also be a delightful afternoon treat or a unique addition to a brunch spread.

Creative Variations to Explore

While the classic recipe is a winner, these bourbon cookies lend themselves well to customization. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Different Dried Fruits: Experiment with other dried fruits like dried cranberries, figs, chopped dates, or even dried apricots. Adjust the quantities to maintain the overall fruit-to-dough ratio.
• Alternative Nuts: Instead of walnuts and pecans, try chopped almonds, cashews, or even macadamia nuts for a different texture and flavor profile. Lightly toasting them beforehand will always enhance their flavor.
• Spiced Up: For an even warmer spice profile, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice to the dry ingredients. A tiny hint of black pepper can also add an intriguing depth.
• Citrus Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the batter along with the wet ingredients. The citrus oils will brighten the overall flavor and complement the candied fruits beautifully.
• Different Spirits: If bourbon isn’t your preferred spirit, you could try dark rum, brandy, or even an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier for a different boozy twist. The soaking time might need slight adjustment depending on the spirit’s intensity.
• Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, fold in a half cup of dark chocolate chips or chunks with the fruit and nuts. The bitterness of the chocolate will provide a wonderful contrast to the sweet fruit.

These Candied Fruit and Bourbon Cookies truly are a delightful discovery, offering a rich, complex flavor reminiscent of traditional fruitcake but in a far more accessible and enjoyable format. The overnight bourbon soak is key to their deep flavor, and their ability to improve with age makes them an excellent make-ahead option for any celebration. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the festive magic they bring. Enjoy the process of creating these memorable cookies and savor every bourbon-infused bite!

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