These Fruit Cocktail Cookies are a classic vintage treat from Mikey Irwin, and they are soft, spiced, sweet, and surprisingly addictive! If you’ve never baked with canned fruit cocktail, you’re in for a fun kitchen adventure. These cookies bake up tender with little bursts of fruit throughout, and they’re perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or anytime you want a unique old-school recipe.
In this video, I’ll walk you through the entire recipe step-by-step and show you exactly how these nostalgic cookies come together.
Printable Recipe Card
Fruit Cocktail Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large can fruit cocktail, drained
- 3 cups brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 cup shortening
- 3 egg
- 4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar, sugar, and shortening until light and smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the drained fruit cocktail.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, cloves, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- These bake up soft, moist, and full of warm spice — a true old-fashioned favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ A fun, vintage cookie most people have never tried
✔️ Soft cake-like texture with pops of fruit
✔️ Easy ingredients and no chilling required
✔️ Great for gifting, holidays, or cookie swaps
Tell me in the comments if you grew up making these — I love hearing your family stories!
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