Oatmeal Fruitcake Cookies

I kinda think fruitcake gets a bad rap folks... Because, when it's homemade and done right, it's really good!  And I have to say, these cookies got rave reviews:@) I had a handful of leftover green candied cherries, so I thought I'd whip up some Oatmeal Fruitcake Cookies. What gives them extra flavor, and keeps them nice and moist, are the maraschino cherries. Use any dried/candied fruit you'd like, but I do recommend patting some maraschino cherries dry and folding them into the batter. Raisins add some sweetness, are chewy, and happen to be a pantry item for me. Nuts? Anything you like or have on-hand works just fine. The boys say they'd like to see these added to our annual Christmas cookie tray going forward.

Everything was mixed into the dough. As you can see, the red maraschino cherries show up really well.

The dough stuck to the candied green cherries... Like the Gumdrop Cookies, I'll reserve a few pieces of candied cherry next time, and stick them into the top of each cookie for pretty presentation.

12/27/21 Update: Both boys were still talking about these cookies a week later!

Oatmeal Fruitcake Cookies

1/2 C butter, softened

3/4 C brown sugar-can cut back a bit if desired

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp dark rum-or a tad more-can leave out

1 egg

1 C A/P flour

1 C old fashioned oatmeal

1/2 tsp baking soda

up to 2 C fruit and nut add ins, candied cherries, maraschino cherries (cut into quarters and patted dry with paper towels), chopped candied pineapple, candied orange peel, raisins, dried cranberries, walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts, etc.

1. Cream butter and sugar.
2. Add vanilla, rum (if using) and egg.
3. Mix in flour, oatmeal and baking soda.
4. Gently fold in fruit and nuts.
5. Drop by tablespoon on to cookie sheets 2" apart.
6. Gently flatten cookies a bit, they will not spread much while baking.
7. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until bottoms are golden brown.
8. Let sit on baking sheet for a couple minutes, remove to rack and cool completely.
9. Store in airtight container.

Enjoy a Christmas cookie and have a happy day🎅

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