Treat your taste buds to Bettle's Fruitcake Cookies! Rich, fruity, and perfectly crumbly. Perfect for holidays or any sweet moment. #fruitcakecookies #bakedgoods #holidaytreats
- Citrus zest (optional): Offers a burst of fresh flavor and aroma to the cookies.
Incorporating these ingredients will help you create delicious betties fruitcake cookies that are perfect for holiday baking. Don't forget to adjust measurements or add your favorite variations to make them uniquely yours!
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Steps
### How to Make Bette's Fruit Cake Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction
Looking for a delicious twist on traditional fruit cake? Try making Bette's fruit cake cookies! These delightful treats combine the rich flavors of a fruit cake with the chewy texture and convenience of cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- 3 cups dried fruit of your choice (apricots, cranberries, raisins)
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts
#### Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Cookie sheet
- Pastry brush (optional)
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Surface**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well combined.
3. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**
- In the bowl of your stand mixer or in a large mixing bowl if using an electric hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon zest and almond extract.
4. **Add Eggs and Mix**
- Add each egg one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure thorough mixing.
- Beat in the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with small amounts of the milk if needed for smooth blending.
5. **Fold in Fruits and Nuts (Optional)**
- Gently fold in the dried fruit and chopped nuts (if using).
6. **Prepare the Cookie Dough**
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- This step allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to handle the dough.
7. **Roll and Cut Cookies**
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
8. **Bake the Cookies**
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
- Be careful not to overbake; these cookies should remain slightly chewy.
9. **Cool and Enjoy**
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
#### Tips for Success
- Ensure that your butter is softened but not melted; this will help achieve the perfect texture.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure consistent thickness.
- Use high-quality dried fruits for the best flavor. Dried apricots, cranberries, and raisins are excellent choices.
- For a more elegant presentation, consider dusting the cookies with powdered sugar after they have cooled.
#### Conclusion
Bette's fruit cake cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or as an anytime treat, these cookies combine the rich flavors of a fruit cake with the versatility and convenience of cookies. Try them out today and enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes!