Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies blend the festive flavors of fruitcake into a chewy, sweet treat that everyone will adore. It’s one of those recipes that brings back warm memories of baking with family during the holidays and sharing laughter around the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to become a staple on your holiday dessert table.

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple it is to whip up. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that not only taste amazing but also fill your home with the scent of Christmas cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can have fresh cookies ready to enjoy!
• Family-friendly: These cookies are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them a hit at any gathering.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever you’re ready for fresh cookies.
• Deliciously festive: The combination of candied fruits and nuts gives these cookies a unique flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe. Gather them up, and let’s get started on creating some festive magic!

For the Cookie Dough

• 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, allowing you to customize it based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add more nuts: If you’re a nut lover, try adding walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.
• Mix in chocolate chips: For a sweet surprise, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a rich flavor.
• Change up the fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins can make great substitutes if you’re looking for different fruity flavors.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of warmth and spice.

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 until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into your mixture, resulting in soft and tender cookies.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the egg along with the vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. Beat everything together until well combined. The essence flavors will infuse each cookie with delightful holiday aromas!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Mixing them separately ensures even distribution of the leavening agent so every cookie rises perfectly.

Step 4: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Once your dough comes together smoothly, gently fold in the chopped candied pineapple, cherries, and pecans. This step is all about making sure each cookie gets its fair share of fruity goodness!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Finally, let your cookies cool on a wire rack before diving in. These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but also store wonderfully for later indulgence!

Enjoy sharing these little bites of joy with friends and family this holiday season!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, but a few handy tips can take your fruitcake cookies from good to absolutely fabulous!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter cream more easily with the sugar, leading to a better texture in your cookies.
• Chop the fruits and nuts evenly: Uniform sizes ensure that every bite of your cookie has the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps control spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Experiment with different nuts: While pecans are fantastic, feel free to swap in walnuts or even slivered almonds for a unique twist on flavor.
• Store properly for freshness: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Presenting these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies is all about creating a festive atmosphere. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or gifting them to friends, they can be styled beautifully.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkle adds a lovely snowy effect that enhances the holiday spirit.
• Add a drizzle of icing: A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and water makes for an elegant touch and extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot Chocolate: Nothing pairs better with cookies than a warm cup of rich hot chocolate. The creaminess complements the fruity flavors beautifully.
• Christmas Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and pomegranates adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Cheese Platter: Create a simple cheese platter featuring creamy Brie or tangy goat cheese. The richness of cheese contrasts nicely with the sweet fruitcake cookies.
• Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea infused with cinnamon and clove brings out the festive flavors and makes for a cozy pairing.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies will surely become a cherished holiday tradition!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are fantastic for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and have them ready to enjoy whenever the holiday spirit strikes. Here’s how to store them properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the cookies once they are completely cooled.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before enjoying.
• If you prefer them warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• This will refresh their texture and bring back that delightful aroma!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe:

Can I make these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Additionally, use dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly option.

What can I substitute for candied fruits in this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

You can replace candied fruits with dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or raisins. Just chop them into small pieces before mixing into your dough!

How long will these cookies last after baking?

Stored correctly in an airtight container, these cookies will last up to a week at room temperature. If frozen, they can be enjoyed for up to three months!

Can I add other nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix things up with walnuts, almonds, or any nut you prefer. Just ensure they are chopped finely for even distribution.

What is the best way to decorate these fruitcake cookies?

For added flair, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the top or sprinkling powdered sugar just before serving. They make great festive treats!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! Their delightful blend of flavors and textures captures the essence of the holiday season. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread joy. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with love and laughter!