Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! My Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe brings together all the festive flavors we love in a fun and easy-to-bake cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fruity goodness, making them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering or cozy night at home.

What I love most about these cookies is how they combine the nostalgia of fruitcake with the simplicity of cookie-making. They’re not only delicious but also a wonderful way to share joy during the holiday season with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies baking in no time.
• Fruity Delight: The combination of candied fruits brings a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these sweet treats, making them perfect for everyone.
• Make Ahead: These cookies store well, so you can bake them in advance and enjoy them throughout the holidays!
• Versatile Treat: They make excellent gifts or additions to cookie platters for gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this festive baking adventure!

For the Cookie Base

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/2 teaspoon almond essence
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon essence

For the Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the Fruity Mix-ins

• 1 cup chopped candied pineapple
• 1 cup chopped candied red cherries
• 1 cup chopped candied green cherries
• 1 cup roughly chopped pecans

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the nuts: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
• Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can give an extra warm spice flavor.
• Dried fruits alternative: Replace some of the candied fruits with dried cranberries or raisins for a chewier texture.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that light and fluffy texture we all adore. Beat until it’s nice and creamy—about 2-3 minutes should do!

Step 2: Add Egg and Flavors

Next, add in your egg along with vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. Mix well until everything is fully combined. The essences are what make these cookies sing with flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together plain flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. This helps prevent flour from flying everywhere while ensuring everything blends smoothly.

Step 4: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Now comes the fun part—fold in those vibrant candied fruits and pecans! Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough. It’s important not to overmix here; you want those fruits to stay intact.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 20 minutes until edges are golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before transferring them to an airtight container. These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but will keep well if stored properly—if they last that long!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies truly shine!

• Use room temperature butter: Starting with softened butter helps it cream better with the sugar, resulting in a lighter cookie texture.

• Chop fruits uniformly: Ensuring your candied fruits and nuts are chopped to similar sizes promotes even distribution throughout the dough, making every bite deliciously balanced.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Cool on a wire rack: Allowing your cookies to cool on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom. This step is essential for maintaining their delightful crunch.

• Store in an airtight container: Keeping your cookies in an airtight container will help maintain their freshness and flavor, so you can enjoy them longer during the festive season!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Presenting your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Whether for a gathering or a cozy night at home, these tips will help make your cookies look irresistible.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and gives your cookies a festive look.

• Edible glitter or sprinkles: For those wanting to add some sparkle, consider using edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles. They’ll catch the eye and enhance the holiday spirit!

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: This warm beverage pairs perfectly with cookies, offering a comforting blend of flavors that kids and adults alike will love.

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies while adding colorful freshness to your dessert table.

• Cheese platter: An assortment of mild cheeses complements the sweet notes of your cookies, creating an inviting contrast that’s sure to impress guests.

• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat that combines textures beautifully.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies will not only taste great but also look stunning! Enjoy spreading joy this holiday season with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! With their delightful blend of fruits and nuts, they can be made ahead of time, so you’ll always have a festive treat on hand for those holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, consider placing parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes.
• Enjoy them fresh out of the oven!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delicious cookies.

Can I make the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe without nuts?

Absolutely! You can omit the pecans or substitute them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you want to maintain that added crunch.

How do I store the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

Simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option!

Can I use fresh fruit instead of candied fruit?

While fresh fruit may add moisture, it’s best to stick with candied fruits for this recipe to achieve that classic fruitcake flavor and texture.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden brown while the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I customize the candied fruits used in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to mix and match your favorite dried or candied fruits, such as chopped dates or dried cranberries, for a personal touch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! They embody the spirit of the season with their festive flavors and textures. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them with family, they’re sure to bring warmth and happiness. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with delightful treats!