Hey there, friends!
Looking for a sweet treat that fits your keto lifestyle? I’ve got you covered!
Today, I’m sharing my delicious keto fruitcake cookies.
These little bites are packed with flavor and are totally guilt-free.
Perfect for the holidays or whenever you’re craving something sweet!
Let’s dive right into this tasty recipe!
Ingredient Substitutions
For a keto-friendly version of these fruitcake cookies, several substitutions are necessary. Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce carbohydrates. Use a 1:1 ratio for almond flour, but only 1/3 the amount for coconut flour, adding extra eggs for moisture. Substitute the granulated and brown sugars with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, adjusting the amount to taste as these are often sweeter than sugar. For the dried fruits, which are high in sugar, consider using smaller amounts of berries like raspberries or strawberries, or unsweetened coconut flakes to maintain texture while reducing carbs. Replace the honey with a sugar-free syrup or simply omit it. These changes will significantly lower the carbohydrate content while preserving the essence of fruitcake cookies.
Preparation Time | 15-30 minutes |
Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
Total Time | 15 hours 15 minutes – 15 hours 50 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3000-3500
- Protein: 30-40 g
- Fat: 200-220 g
- Carbohydrates: 400-450 g
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound dried figs
- 1/4 pound raisins
- 2 ounces candied cherries, coarsely chopped
- 2 ounces dried apricots, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 6 ounces chopped pecans
- Kosher salt
- 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 extra-large egg
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Fruit Mixture
Begin by snipping off the hard stems of 1/2 pound of dried figs using scissors or a small knife, then coarsely chop the figs.
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped figs with 1/4 pound of raisins, 2 ounces of coarsely chopped candied cherries, 2 ounces of coarsely chopped dried apricots, 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of dry sherry, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 6 ounces of chopped pecans, and a pinch of kosher salt.
Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together 1/2 pound (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/2 cup of superfine sugar, and 1/3 cup of firmly packed light brown sugar.
Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, about 3 minutes.
With the mixer on low speed, add 1 extra-large egg and mix until incorporated.
Still on low speed, gradually add 2 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, mixing just until combined.
Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Incorporate Fruit Mixture and Form Logs
Gently fold the prepared fruit and nut mixture, including any liquid, into the dough.
Divide the dough in half and place each half along the long edge of a 12 by 18-inch piece of parchment or waxed paper.
Roll each half into a log, about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches thick, forming an 18-inch-long roll.
Refrigerate the dough for several hours or until firm.
Step 4: Slice and Arrange the Dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Using a small, sharp knife, cut the chilled dough logs into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
Place the slices 1/2 inch apart on ungreased sheet pans to ensure they bake evenly and maintain their shape.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy
Bake the slices in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
Allow the baked cookies to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.
Enjoy these deliciously fruity and nutty cookies as a delightful treat!