Looking for a festive treat that combines buttery shortbread with the nostalgic sweetness of glazed fruits? These glazed fruitcake shortbread cookies are just the thing! They’re easy to make, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and perfect for the holidays. Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup glazed fruits and cherries, mixed
For the Glaze:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons rum or milk (your choice!)
How to Make Them
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or with a trusty wooden spoon), beat the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until it’s light and fluffy.
2. Add the Flour (But Don’t Overdo It!):
Gradually stir in the flour until just combined. Over-mixing can mess with the delicate shortbread texture, so go easy.
3. Fold in the Fruits:
Toss in the glazed fruits and cherries. Use clean hands for a gentle mix—less work, better texture!
4. Shape the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Shape each into a 7-inch square. Don’t stress about perfection—it’s all good! Wrap them in plastic wrap and pop them into the fridge for about 25 minutes.
5. Preheat and Prep:
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Easy cleanup, guaranteed.
6. Slice and Bake:
Take the chilled dough out, and slice it into 1.75-inch strips. Then, cut each strip into three or four cookies. Pro tip: A pizza cutter works wonders here!
Bake for 23-25 minutes, just until the edges turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a bit before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Make the Glaze:
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk (or rum, for a boozy kick). Adjust the consistency with a splash more liquid or sugar until it’s perfect for brushing.
8. Glaze and Set:
Brush the glaze over the cooled cookies. The glaze will set quickly, so you can stack your cookies in no time—within an hour, tops.
Tips and Options for Perfect Glazed Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies
Want to make these cookies even better or give them a unique twist? Check out these handy tips and delicious variations!
Pro Tips for Baking Success
- Chill the Dough:
Refrigerating the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to slice and hold its shape while baking. Don’t skip this step! - Use Quality Butter:
Shortbread’s buttery flavor shines through, so opt for high-quality unsalted butter. It makes all the difference! - Don’t Overmix:
Once the flour is added, mix just until combined. Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough. Gentle is key! - Perfect Glaze Consistency:
Your glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but not so runny that it drips everywhere. Add liquid or powdered sugar a little at a time to get it just right. - Make Uniform Slices:
Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for even cookie sizes. This ensures they bake evenly. 📏
Flavor Options
- Boozy Kick:
Swap milk for rum or even brandy in the glaze to add a festive, grown-up touch. 🍹 - Nutty Addition:
Mix in some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds with the glazed fruits for extra crunch and flavor. - Citrus Zest:
Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist. - Spiced Up:
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice into the dough for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor. - Chocolate Drizzle:
After glazing, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a rich, decorative finish.
Presentation Ideas
- Gift-Worthy:
Stack a few cookies in a clear cellophane bag, tie with a festive ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade holiday gift! - Festive Touch:
Sprinkle edible glitter or colorful sprinkles over the glaze before it sets for an extra festive look. - Cookie Platter:
Arrange them on a decorative platter with other holiday treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies for a show-stopping dessert spread. 🍽️
FAQs About Glazed Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies
Can I use different fruits for the cookies?
Absolutely! You can substitute the glazed fruits and cherries with dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or raisins. Just chop them into small pieces for an even mix.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem! You can use a hand mixer or mix by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon. It might take a little more effort, but the result will still be amazing.
Can I skip the glaze?
You can! The cookies are delicious on their own. However, the glaze adds a lovely sweetness and festive finish, so it’s worth including if you can.
How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’ve used rum in the glaze, the flavor will develop even more over time!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be tasty.
What’s the best way to cut the cookies?
A pizza cutter works like magic for straight lines, but a sharp knife will do the trick too. If the dough is sticky, chill it a little longer before cutting.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally! These cookies are always a hit, so making extra is a great idea. Just ensure your mixing bowl is big enough to handle the doubled ingredients.
What’s the best substitute for rum in the glaze?
Milk or heavy cream works perfectly if you’d rather skip the alcohol. For a touch of flavor, you can also try orange juice or almond extract.
Why are my cookies crumbly?
Crumbly cookies could mean the dough was overmixed or too dry. Mix gently and make sure the butter is soft but not melted when you start.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These cookies are buttery, tender, and perfectly balanced with the chewy sweetness of glazed fruits. They make a great gift, a snack with coffee, or a show-stopping addition to your holiday dessert spread.
Conclusion:
These Glazed Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies are the perfect treat to bring some festive cheer to your kitchen! With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, fruity glaze, they’re bound to become a holiday favorite. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, gifting them to friends and family, or just enjoying them with a warm drink, these cookies are a delicious way to spread the holiday spirit.
So, grab your ingredients, have fun with the process, and enjoy these little bites of holiday magic!
