- **Nuts**: Walnuts, pecans, almonds (for added crunch and texture)
- **Dried Fruits**: Raisins, cranberries, cherries (natural sweeteners with a burst of flavor)
- **Dark Chocolate Chips**: For that extra hit of richness
- **Butter**: Use high-quality unsalted butter for better taste and flakier cookies
- **Brown Sugar**: Provides moisture and a deeper, richer flavor
- **All-Purpose Flour**: Traditional choice for cookie baking to ensure a soft texture
- **Eggs**: Two large eggs (essential for binding ingredients together)
- **Vanilla Extract**: Adds depth of flavor
- **Almond Extract** (optional): For an extra layer of complexity in the taste
- **Salt**: A pinch, to bring out other flavors
- **Baking Powder**: To help with rising and leavening
- **Pecans for Topping**: Crushed or whole, for a decorative finish
Use these ingredients to create cookies that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Remember, quality over quantity when it comes to spices and nuts; this will ensure each cookie is packed full of flavor!
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Steps
### How to Make Delicious Better-than-Fruitcake Cookies
Are you looking for a cookie recipe that's not only delicious but also stands out from the usual fruitcakes? These Better-than-Fruitcake Cookies are sure to impress your family and friends! Follow these detailed steps to create a delightful treat.
#### **Ingredients**
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
#### **Instructions**
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats.
**Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
**Step 3: Add Vanilla and Egg**
Beat in the vanilla extract and egg into the mixture, ensuring they are well combined.
**Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just incorporated to avoid overmixing.
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#### **Step 5: Shape the Cookies**
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space cookies about 2 inches apart as they will spread during baking.
**Step 6: Bake and Cool**
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown at the edges. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
#### **Tips for Success**
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Don't overmix after adding dry ingredients; this can result in tough cookies.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly—this helps them set and prevents crumbling.
These Better-than-Fruitcake Cookies offer a delightful blend of flavors with a soft, chewy texture that's sure to be a hit at any gathering. Share your creations using #betterthanfruitcakecookies for a chance to feature in our community spotlight!