Bring the flavors of traditional Christmas fruitcake to your cookie tray with these delightful Panettone Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are studded with colorful dried fruits and nuts, making them a festive treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or giving them as gifts, these cookies are sure to spread joy and cheer!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, apricots, and cranberries), finely chopped
- ½ cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Extracts
Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
7. Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
These cookies can be enjoyed right away or stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also make lovely gifts when packaged in decorative tins!
The Perfect Holiday Treat!
These Panettone Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season. Their buttery flavor combined with the sweetness of dried fruits makes them irresistible! Share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—no one will judge!