16 Simple Fruitcake Cookies Recipe Southern Living Discover Culinary Perfection!

Published on: Apr 7, 2024

With the holiday season in full swing, it's time to start thinking about all the delicious treats that will make an appearance at your family gatherings and holiday parties. And what better way to celebrate than with a batch of traditional southern living fruitcake cookies?

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Southern Sausage Gravy

Main Ingredients: Pork Sausage, All Purpose Flour, Milk, Black Pepper

Classic Southern Sausage Gravy • deepfriedhoney

Grandma's Classic Southern Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe - Erhardts Eat

Southern Sausage Gravy is a staple in many southern households. This creamy and flavorful dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It's easy to make and pairs perfectly with biscuits, toast, or even fried chicken. Here are 20 different ways to make this classic southern dish that will have your taste buds dancing.

2 of 20

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Main Ingredients: Cornbread, Medium Onion, Celery, Butter, Condensed

Southern Cornbread Dressing - Home. Made. Interest.

Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing - Grace and Good Eats

The Best Southern Cornbread Dressing - Everyday Eileen

Southern Cornbread Dressing is a must-have side dish for any southern holiday meal. This savory and delicious dish is made with cornbread, chicken broth, and various seasonings. It's the perfect complement to any main course and will have your guests coming back for seconds.

3 of 20

Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Main Ingredients: Crust, Eggs, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Vanilla, Butter, Salt

Easy Southern Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust - The Country Cook

Classic Southern Pecan Pie Bars - Maria's Kitchen

If you love pecan pie, then you'll love these Southern Pecan Pie Bars. These bars have all the delicious flavors of a traditional pecan pie, but in a handheld form. They're perfect for parties, potlucks, or just as a sweet treat after dinner.

4 of 20

Southern Peach Cobbler!

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Peaches, Lemon Juice, All Purpose Flour

Easy Southern Peach Cobbler - Love Bakes Good Cakes

Southern Peach Cobbler - Best Recipe EVER! - Merry About Town

Nothing says summer in the south like a big bowl of Southern Peach Cobbler. This classic dessert is made with fresh peaches, warm spices, and topped with a buttery crust. It's the perfect way to end any meal and is best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

5 of 20

Southern Pimento Cheese

Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Mild Cheddar

Southern Style Jalapeño Pimento Cheese spread- Amee's Savory Dish

Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe - TheSuperHealthyFood

Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe for a Deliciously Easy Appetizer!

Southern Pimento Cheese is a southern favorite that can be enjoyed as a spread, dip, or even in sandwiches. This creamy and tangy dish is made with cheddar cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise. It's the perfect addition to any party or gathering.

6 of 20

Southern Cabbage

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Onion, Cabbage, College Inn Chicken Broth

Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe | Small Town Woman

Southern Fried Cabbage | 12 Tomatoes

SOUTHERN FRIED CABBAGE - The Southern Lady Cooks - BriskyPace

Southern Cabbage is a simple and delicious side dish that can be made in a variety of ways. It can be boiled, sautéed, or even grilled. The key is to cook it until it's tender and seasoned just right. This dish pairs perfectly with any southern main course.

7 of 20

Southern Squash Casserole

Main Ingredients: Squash, Onion, Butter, Sour Cream, Seasoning, Cheddar

Southern Squash Casserole | I Heart Recipes

Old Fashioned Southern Squash Casserole

Easy Southern Squash Casserole - Yummy Recipe

Southern Squash Casserole is a classic southern dish that is a must-have at any summer cookout or potluck. It's made with yellow squash, onions, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will have everyone asking for the recipe.

8 of 20

Simple Southern Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Bacon Drippings, Self Rising Cornmeal, Buttermilk

Cornbread Recipe Using White Cornmeal Mix | Dandk Organizer

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe - A Family Tradition - Platter Talk

Easy Buttermilk Cornbread (Best Sweet Cornbread) - Cafe Delites

Simple Southern Cornbread is a staple in many southern households. This cornbread is made with simple ingredients and baked in a cast-iron skillet for that perfect crispy crust. It's the perfect side dish for any meal and pairs well with any soup, chili, or stew.

9 of 20

Southern Green Beans

Main Ingredients: Green Beans, White Onion, Garlic Clove, Smoked Sausage

Southern Style Green Beans - A Southern Soul

South Your Mouth: Southern-Style Canned Green Beans

How to Cook Southern Style Green Beans • A Sweet Pea Chef

Crockpot Southern Green Beans with Bacon

Southern Green Beans are a classic southern side dish that is simple and full of flavor. These green beans are slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and various seasonings until they are tender and bursting with flavor. They're the perfect addition to any southern meal.

10 of 20

Southern Hushpuppies!

Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Corn Meal, Buttermilk, Baking Soda

sweet hush puppy recipe - Puppy And Pets

Southern Hushpuppies | Home. Made. Interest.

Hush Puppies Fried Shrimp Recipes, Seafood Recipes, Cooking Recipes ...

Southern Hushpuppies are a staple at any southern seafood restaurant. These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are the perfect side dish for fried fish or shrimp and are best served with a side of tartar sauce.

11 of 20

Southern Buttermilk Pie

Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, Sugar, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt, Butter

Buttermilk Pie {Classic Southern Recipe} – WellPlated.com

Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe - Something Swanky

Southern Buttermilk Pie is a classic southern dessert that is simple and delicious. This creamy and tangy pie is made with buttermilk, eggs, and a touch of lemon juice. It's the perfect ending to any meal and is best served with a dollop of whipped cream.

12 of 20

Southern Hoecakes

Main Ingredients: Flour, Cornmeal, Fresh Corn, Salt, Pepper, Sugar

Bacon, Butter, Cheese & Garlic: Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes

Southern Hoe Cake Recipe (Rare & Super Simple) - Southern Plate

Southern Hoe Cakes - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

Hoecakes or Fried Cornbread - The Southern Lady Cooks in 2020 | Hoe ...

Southern Hoecakes are a type of cornmeal pancake that is a southern favorite. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them the perfect breakfast or brunch dish. They are typically served with butter and syrup, but can also be topped with savory toppings like bacon or cheese.

13 of 20

Southern Lima Beans (Butter Beans)

Main Ingredients: Lima Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Water, Salt, Black Pepper

Southern Butter Beans with Bacon - Southern Bite

Southern Lima Beans with Ham {Butter Beans} - The Seasoned Mom

Southern Lima Beans, also known as Butter Beans, are a hearty and flavorful side dish that is a staple in many southern households. These beans are slow-cooked with ham hocks, onions, and various seasonings until they are tender and bursting with flavor. They are the perfect addition to any southern meal.

14 of 20

Southern Butter Beans

Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Butter, Chicken Bouillon, Salt, Water

Easy Southern Butter Beans - Recipes From A Pantry

Southern Butter Bean Recipe (Best Lima Beans) - A Spicy Perspective

Butter Beans Recipe (Vegan Friendly!) - Grandbaby Cakes

Southern Butter Beans are a simple and delicious side dish that is a staple in many southern households. These beans are cooked until they are creamy and seasoned with bacon, onions, and a touch of sugar for a touch of sweetness. They're the perfect complement to any main course.

15 of 20

Southern Fried Chicken Strips

Main Ingredients: Egg, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour, Garlic Powder

{Oven Baked} Chicken Strips Recipe | LIfe Made Simple

Southern Fried Chicken Strips Halal (Golen Valley) - Redstar ...

Low Carb Southern Fried Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Southern, Fried ...

Southern Fried Chicken Strips are a classic southern comfort food that is loved by all. These crispy and flavorful chicken strips are made with a buttermilk marinade and coated in a seasoned flour mixture before being deep-fried to perfection. They're the perfect main course for any southern meal.

16 of 20

My Favorite Southern Potato Salad

Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Hard Boiled Eggs, Mayonnaise, Yellow Mustard

Southern Potato Salad Recipe - The Best Classic, Creamy Version

Southern Style Potato salad - Sweet Pea's Kitchen

Southern Potato Salad - Will Cook For Smiles

Southern Potato Salad Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com | Recipe ...

My Favorite Southern Potato Salad is a must-have at any southern barbecue or picnic. This creamy and tangy potato salad is made with potatoes, eggs, mayo, and various seasonings. It's the perfect side dish for any grilled meats and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

17 of 20

Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt

Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe | The Gracious Wife

Southern Skillet Cornbread - A Pinch of Healthy

Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread | Recipe | Southern ...

Southern Cornbread, also known as Southern Skillet Cornbread, is a classic southern bread that is a must-have at any meal. This cornbread is made with simple ingredients and baked in a cast-iron skillet for that perfect crispy crust. It's the perfect side dish for any meal and pairs well with any soup, chili, or stew.

18 of 20

Southern-Style Green Beans

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Fresh Green Beans, Chicken Broth, Salt, Ground

Southern-Style Green Beans - Spicy Southern Kitchen

Southern-Style Green Beans Recipe - Simply Stacie

Southern-Style Green Beans are a delicious and flavorful side dish that is a staple in many southern households. These green beans are cooked with bacon, onions, and various seasonings until they are tender and bursting with flavor. They're the perfect addition to any southern meal.

19 of 20

Ultimate Southern Macaroni & Cheese

Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Evaporated Milk

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese - The Hungry Bluebird

Southern Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - Add a Pinch

Healthy Macaroni & Cheese — The Skinny Fork

Ultimate Southern Macaroni & Cheese is a must-try for any mac and cheese lover. This creamy and cheesy dish is made with a blend of cheeses, milk, and various seasonings. It's the perfect comfort food and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

20 of 20

Southern Stewed Tomatoes

Main Ingredients: Onion, Butter, Bacon Pieces, Diced Tomatoes, Bread

Southern Stewed Okra & Tomatoes - Julias Simply Southern

Stewed Okra and Tomatoes | How To Feed A Loon

Top 7 Recipe Stewed Okra And Tomatoes

Old Fashioned Stewed Tomatoes - These Old Cookbooks

Southern Stewed Tomatoes are a simple and delicious side dish that is a staple in many southern households. These tomatoes are cooked with onions, garlic, and various seasonings until they are tender and bursting with flavor. They're the perfect complement to any main course.

The Perfect Addition to Your Holiday Baking: Simple Fruitcake Cookies

These simple fruitcake cookies are a twist on the classic fruitcake, making them easier to make and more enjoyable to eat. They have all the same delicious flavors and textures, but in a smaller, more convenient package. Plus, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family!

The Ingredients You'll Need

To make these southern living fruitcake cookies, you'll need:

1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped dried figs
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make the Cookies

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped dried fruits and nuts. In a separate bowl, cream together the brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well.

In a third bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined. Finally, fold in the fruit and nut mixture.

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Bringing Southern Charm to Your Holiday Table

These simple fruitcake cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday spread. They are a delicious blend of sweet and nutty flavors, with a hint of warm spices. Plus, they are a great alternative to the traditional fruitcake, which can be time-consuming and difficult to make.

So why not add a touch of southern charm to your holiday baking this year with these southern living fruitcake cookies? They are sure to be a hit with all your friends and family, and may even become a new holiday tradition.

So go ahead and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!