Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a holiday classic, then this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies bring all the festive flavors of traditional fruitcake into bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with colorful candied fruits and nuts, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday cookie platter or a sweet treat for cozy gatherings.

What I love most about these cookies is how simple they are to make. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight dessert or preparing goodies for family gatherings, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Plus, they’ll fill your kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma that instantly brings back memories of holiday cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone can enjoy these delicious bites, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or family get-togethers.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake these cookies in advance and store them for days—they actually get better with time!
• Festive flavors: The combination of candied fruits and nuts creates a delightful medley of tastes that’s synonymous with the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This recipe uses everyday items that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious cookies:

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

One of the best things about this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have available. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add chocolate chips: For a richer flavor, toss in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
• Try different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
• Use dried fruits: Substitute some of the candied fruits with dried cranberries or raisins for a chewier texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies a warm, spiced flavor.

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 as it incorporates air into the mixture, leading to light and fluffy cookies. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Egg and Essences

Next, add in the large egg along with the vanilla essence, almond essence, and lemon essence. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly. The essences will enhance the flavor profile of your cookies and give them that festive flair!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the plain flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. This helps prevent any flour clouds from forming!

Step 4: Fold in Candied Fruits and Nuts

Once your dough comes together, gently fold in the chopped candied pineapple, red cherries, green cherries, and pecans. Make sure every bite is packed with fruity goodness! Using a spatula will help keep the mix gentle so you don’t break up those lovely pieces.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto greased baking sheets or lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool slightly on the tray before transferring them to wire racks.

And there you have it! Your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are ready to be enjoyed—perfectly festive and filled with joy! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful fruitcake cookies can be a joyful experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll have everyone asking for more!

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that your butter creams well with sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy mixture that helps your cookies rise perfectly.

• Chop the candied fruits uniformly: By keeping the pieces of candied pineapple and cherries similar in size, you’ll achieve an even distribution throughout the cookie dough, making every bite equally delicious.

• Don’t skip the chill time: If you’re looking for a firmer cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and results in a better texture.

• Experiment with nuts: While this recipe calls for pecans, feel free to mix it up with walnuts or almonds. Each nut brings its own flavor and crunch to the cookies!

• Store them properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. They also make wonderful gifts!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Serving these cookies can be as festive as baking them! Here are some fun ways to present your holiday treats.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar not only adds a beautiful finish but also gives a sweet touch without being overwhelming.

• Citrus zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest over the top for a refreshing burst of aroma that complements the sweetness of the fruitcake cookies.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience that will melt your heart on chilly winter nights.

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside these sweet treats creates an indulgent combination that’s simply irresistible.

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness to your dessert table and balances out the richness of the cookies.

• Spiced tea: Serve these delightful cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea to enhance their festive flavors while providing warmth and comfort during those cold winter evenings.

With these serving suggestions, your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies will shine on any holiday table! Enjoy every moment of baking and sharing these delicious treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment, making your holiday baking stress-free.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For optimal freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
• Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a nut-free option, simply omit the pecans. You can also substitute them with seeds like sunflower seeds for added crunch.

How long does it take to prepare the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

The prep time is just 15 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes of baking time. In no time, you’ll have these festive cookies ready to enjoy!

What can I use instead of candied fruits?

You can substitute candied fruits with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries if you prefer. Just chop them into smaller pieces to mimic the texture of candied fruits.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Definitely! These cookies make a lovely gift during the holiday season. Just package them nicely in a festive box or tin, and they will surely delight anyone who receives them.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! They’re not just delicious; they carry a touch of holiday spirit that warms the heart. Enjoy making them as much as sharing them with friends and family during this special time of year. Happy baking!