Pin it
This fruitcake shortbread cookie recipe transforms holiday baking with its buttery texture and jewel-like glazed fruits. The perfect balance of traditional fruitcake flavors in an elegant, easy-to-make shortbread that disappears quickly from cookie platters.
These cookies became my signature holiday treat after searching for something special yet simple to bring to cookie exchanges. The combination of buttery shortbread with colorful glazed fruits creates a stained-glass effect that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen when the recipe is actually quite straightforward.
Ingredients
- Butter: use unsalted at room temperature for best incorporation and flavor control
- Powdered sugar: creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes shortbread irresistible
- Vanilla extract: pure vanilla gives the best flavor but imitation works in a pinch
- All-purpose flour: the protein content in all-purpose gives the perfect structure without toughness
- Glazed fruits and cherries: the star ingredients that add color and nostalgic fruitcake flavor
- Additional powdered sugar: for the finishing glaze that adds sweetness and binds the cookies
- Rum or milk: for the glaze rum adds traditional fruitcake flavor but milk works perfectly for alcohol-free versions
How To Make Glazed Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- Beat the room temperature butter with powdered sugar and vanilla until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in both color and texture. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a stand mixer or 5-6 minutes by hand. The incorporation of air at this stage is crucial for that perfect shortbread texture.
- Add the flour carefully:
- Gradually introduce the flour in batches rather than all at once. Mix just until you no longer see dry flour streaks. Overmixing develops gluten which makes shortbread tough instead of tender. The dough should look slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Incorporate the fruit:
- Gently fold in the colorful glazed fruits using a light touch. I find clean hands work best here as you can feel when the fruit is evenly distributed without overworking the dough. The warmth of your hands helps the dough come together without excessive mixing.
- Shape and chill:
- Form the dough into two squares roughly 7 inches across and about ½ inch thick. Working between sheets of plastic wrap prevents sticking without adding extra flour which can dry out the cookies. The 25-minute chill time firms the butter making the dough easier to cut cleanly.
- Slice with precision:
- After chilling cut the dough squares into neat rectangular cookies. A pizza cutter creates clean edges but a sharp knife works well too. The 1¾-inch width creates substantial cookies that showcase the colorful fruit pieces beautifully.
- Bake with patience:
- Shortbread bakes at a lower temperature than many cookies to allow the interior to cook through while preventing excessive browning. Look for just the slightest golden color at the edges as your signal they're done around the 23-25 minute mark.
- Glaze while warm:
- Apply the simple powdered sugar glaze while cookies are still slightly warm. This allows some of the glaze to absorb into the cookie creating a more integrated flavor while still leaving a beautiful finish on top.
Pin it
My grandmother always kept her glazed cherries hidden away in the pantry claiming they were too expensive to use in ordinary baking. These cookies became our special Christmas tradition when she would finally bring out her precious stash. Now whenever I make them I think of her kitchen filled with holiday music and the smell of butter and vanilla.
Choosing the Right Glazed Fruit
The quality of glazed fruit significantly impacts both flavor and appearance in these cookies. Look for plump glazed cherries in vibrant red and green colors rather than the dull artificial versions. Premium glazed fruit mix often includes citron pineapple orange peel and sometimes angelica for a traditional fruitcake profile. For a more contemporary twist consider using only glazed cherries in red and green for a festive holiday look.
Storage and Shelf Life
These shortbread cookies maintain their quality exceptionally well compared to most holiday treats. Store them in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. At room temperature they remain fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage refrigerate for up to a month or freeze for three months. The flavor actually improves after 2-3 days as the butter notes mellow and blend with the fruit.
Pin it
Creative Variations
While the classic recipe shines on its own several variations have become favorites in my holiday baking rotation. Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla for a marzipan-like flavor that complements the fruit beautifully. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of finely grated orange zest into the dough for citrus brightness. For an adults-only version soak the glazed fruits in 3 tablespoons of rum overnight before incorporating them into the dough draining any excess liquid before adding to the batter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different fruit mixes for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with your favorite combinations of glazed fruits or dried fruits to suit your taste. Ensure the pieces are finely chopped for even distribution in the dough.
- → How do I prevent the dough from becoming overworked?
Mix the dough until just combined, and fold the fruits in gently using your hands. Over-mixing will change the texture of the cookies.
- → What can I use instead of rum in the glaze?
You can substitute milk or any non-alcoholic liquid for the rum. Almond milk or orange juice can also provide unique flavors.
- → Can these cookies be stored for later use?
Absolutely! Once the glaze has set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.
- → What’s the best way to shape and cut the dough?
Shape the dough into a square and refrigerate for 25 minutes to make it firm and easier to cut. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, even slices.