Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It brings together the comforting flavors of fruitcake in a bite-sized cookie that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just want to enjoy a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to brighten your day.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll find it easy enough to whip up even during the busiest weeks of December. Trust me, once you take a bite of these chewy, fruity delights, you’ll want to make them part of your holiday traditions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet and fruity flavors, making these cookies a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake these cookies ahead of time and store them for later—perfect for holiday gifting!
• Flavor Explosion: With candied fruits and nuts, each cookie is packed with delicious textures and tastes that celebrate the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will come together beautifully. You probably have many of these in your kitchen already!

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

For the Fruity Goodness

• 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! Here are some fun ideas to customize your cookies:

• Add more spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Mix in different nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds based on what you have on hand.
• Use dried fruits: Substitute some candied fruits with dried cranberries or raisins for a chewier texture.
• Chocolate Chips Twist: Add in semi-sweet chocolate chips if you’re looking for a chocolatey indulgence!

How to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating your oven ensures that the cookies bake evenly and gives them that perfect golden finish.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, helping your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 3: Mix in Egg and Essences

Add the egg along with vanilla, almond, and lemon essences to the butter mixture. Blend well until everything is smooth. The essences contribute wonderful aromas and flavors that make these cookies extra special!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together plain flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients while stirring gently. This technique prevents over-mixing, which can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Carefully fold in the chopped candied pineapple, red cherries, green cherries, and pecans. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter so every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 6: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet about two inches apart. This gives them space to spread as they bake.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—they’re best when slightly chewy in the middle!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Then enjoy these festive treats fresh out of the oven or stored away for later!

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe as much as I do! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful fruitcake cookies is a joy, and with a few handy tips, you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a more consistent texture in your cookies.

• Chop ingredients uniformly: By chopping your candied fruits and nuts to similar sizes, you’ll ensure even distribution throughout the cookies, giving every bite a perfect balance of flavors.

• Don’t skip the chilling: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and help the cookies maintain their shape, resulting in beautiful, thick cookies.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature; keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Presenting your Christmas fruitcake cookies beautifully can make them even more inviting during festive gatherings. Here are some fun ideas!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely touch and gives them a snowy appearance that fits right into the holiday theme.

• Edible glitter: For an extra festive sparkle, consider adding edible glitter or shimmer dust to give your cookies a magical look that will catch everyone’s eye.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A steaming cup of rich hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these sweet cookies, creating a cozy treat for chilly winter nights.

• Spiced chai tea: The warm spices in spiced chai complement the fruity flavors of the cookies beautifully and provide a comforting beverage option.

• Vanilla ice cream: Serving these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures that is truly indulgent.

• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made from seasonal fruits offers a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies while keeping things healthy and vibrant on your dessert table.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll not only create delicious Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies but also present them in a way that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy the delightful flavors throughout the holiday season.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
• For optimal taste, consume them within a week.
• If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing as described below.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Enjoy with a cup of your favorite holiday beverage!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I use different fruits in the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any of the candied fruits with your favorites, such as dried cranberries or apricots. Just ensure you have about 3 cups of fruit in total.

How long do these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for about one week. If frozen, they can last up to three months.

What’s the best way to decorate Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies?

While these cookies are beautiful on their own, you can enhance them with a light drizzle of icing or sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving for an extra festive touch.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe brings joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations! The combination of fruits and nuts creates a comforting flavor that’s hard to resist. Enjoy making them for yourself or sharing with loved ones; it’s sure to become a cherished tradition. Happy baking!