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Glazed Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies

Glazed Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery goodness of shortbread with the sweet and fruity flavors of traditional fruitcake. These cookies are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just as a sweet snack to enjoy anytime. With their colorful bits of dried fruit and a sweet glaze, they bring a touch of cheer to any dessert table.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Glazed Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies is a great way to enjoy a festive dessert that is simple to prepare. This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, as it requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps. The combination of the crispy cookie and the sweet glaze makes these cookies irresistible. Plus, they’re a wonderful option for gift-giving during the holiday season!

How to Make Glazed Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup mixed dried fruit (like raisins, cherries, and citrus peel)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar.
Mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until well combined.
Fold in the mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with enough milk to reach the desired consistency for glaze.
Once cookies are cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.

How to Serve Glazed Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are best served at room temperature. You can place them on a cookie platter for gatherings or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. The colorful fruits and sweet glaze make them stand out as a perfect treat for festive occasions.

How to Store Glazed Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies without glaze for up to three months. Just thaw them and then add the glaze before serving.

Tips to Make Glazed Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Feel free to customize the dried fruit and nuts to suit your taste.
Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour, as it can make the cookies tough.

Variation

You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor. Another variation is to use chocolate chips instead of dried fruit for a different sweet treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
It’s best to stick with dried fruit for this recipe, as fresh fruit can add too much moisture and change the texture of the cookies.

2. How can I make the cookies healthier?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use less sugar. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of butter by using unsweetened applesauce in its place.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling and baking the cookies.