Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies bring together the festive flavors of candied fruits and nuts that remind us of classic fruitcake but in a fun, bite-sized form. They are perfect for sharing at family gatherings or savoring on a cozy evening at home with a warm cup of cocoa.

What makes these cookies truly special is their simplicity. In just 35 minutes, you can create a batch that fills your home with the warm, sweet aroma of holiday cheer. So whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, these cookies will surely become a beloved addition to your holiday traditions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and they’ll adore the colorful mix of fruits and nuts.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for those busy days during the holidays.
• Deliciously Festive: The combination of flavors makes each bite feel like a celebration.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package them up in cute tins to share with friends and family!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe! These items are easy to find and come together beautifully to create cookies that taste like holiday 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 Festive 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, allowing you to make it your own! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Swap out some of the fruit for chocolate chips for a rich, decadent twist.
• Use Different Nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.
• Dried Fruits Alternative: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins if you prefer natural sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

How to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. This step is crucial as it creates air pockets that help your cookies rise and gives them a light texture. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and pale.

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Essences

Next, add in the egg along with the vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. These essences bring depth to your cookies’ flavor profile. Mix until everything is well combined—this should take about one minute.

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. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies which we definitely want to avoid!

Step 4: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped candied pineapple, red cherries, green cherries, and pecans. This adds color and texture that not only looks appealing but also tastes amazing.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for about 20 minutes until they’re lightly golden around the edges. The smell will be irresistible!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, let your cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without breaking apart. Once cooled completely, enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container 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 expert tips, you can make them even more special!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps ensure that your cookies have the perfect texture. Softened butter creams well with sugar, resulting in cookies that are light and fluffy.

• Chop ingredients uniformly: For the best bite in every cookie, chop your candied fruits and nuts into similar-sized pieces. This ensures even distribution throughout the dough and makes for a beautiful presentation.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until combined to maintain a tender crumb.

• Chill the dough if time permits: If you have an extra 30 minutes, chilling the dough will help the flavors meld together and create thicker cookies that hold their shape better during baking.

• Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or add dried cranberries for a twist! This adds variety to your holiday cookie platter.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Presenting your fruitcake cookies beautifully can make them even more inviting for guests. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying them at home, here are some ideas!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint can bring a pop of color and freshness to your presentation.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Rich and creamy hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these cookies, making for a cozy treat on chilly nights.
• Spiced chai tea: The warm spices in chai complement the fruity flavors of the cookies beautifully.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies and adds a splash of color to your serving table.
• Cheese platter: Offering a selection of mild cheeses alongside your cookies creates an interesting contrast in flavors and textures, making it an appealing option for guests.

Enjoy these festive treats with loved ones, and let each bite take you on a nostalgic journey through holiday memories!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can bake them ahead of time and store them to enjoy later or share with family and friends during the festive season. Here are some tips on how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• If you want to retain their softness, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.

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 frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and reheat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful cookie recipe:

Can I make this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your baking soda is also gluten-free.

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

The total time for making these cookies is just 35 minutes including preparation and baking!

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds according to your preference.

Is there a way to reduce sugar in this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

You can reduce the sugar by using half the amount or substituting with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar, but it may alter the texture slightly.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is necessary for this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe. You can bake them right after mixing!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! They not only evoke warm memories of the holiday season but also bring a delightful twist to traditional favorites. Enjoy making these treats, whether it’s just for yourself or as gifts for loved ones. Happy baking!