Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the scent of warm spices fills the air, I can’t help but feel the holiday magic weaving its way into our kitchen. This year, I’ve decided to put a delightful spin on a classic: Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. These treats not only capture the festive spirit, but they also offer the perfect blend of chewy textures and spiced flavors that make them a joy to bake. One of the best perks? They’re totally adaptable! Feel free to mix and match dried fruits and extracts to suit your taste. Plus, they can be made ahead, allowing the flavors to deepen over time, whether you’re sharing them at cookie exchanges or saving them to enjoy with a cozy cup of tea. So, are you ready to fill your kitchen with the heartwarming aromas of the season? Let’s get started on creating these delightful cookies together! Why Make Christmas Fruitcake Cookies? Irresistible Holiday Treat: These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies bring all the joy of traditional fruitcake without the heaviness, crafting a delightful experience for your taste buds. Versatile Ingredients: The flexibility in using dried fruits and extracts allows you to create a personalized flavor profile. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Perfect for any holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Make-Ahead Magic: Bake in batches and let their flavors develop over time, making your holiday prep a breeze. Textural Delight: Enjoy a chewy, tender cookie combined with a satisfying crunch from nuts, making each bite a treat to savor. Dive into more delicious holiday ideas with our Top Christmas Cookies for even more festive inspiration! Christmas Fruitcake Cookie Ingredients For the Cookie Batter Butter – Adds richness and moisture; unsalted is best for better flavor control. Sugar – The sweetness base; granulated sugar provides the best results. Egg – Binds the ingredients together and ensures a soft texture. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; consider almond or lemon extracts for an exciting twist. Flour – Essential for structure; all-purpose flour works perfectly in this recipe. Salt – Balances the sweetness, enhancing the cookie’s flavor. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a light and airy texture. For the Fruity Add-Ins Candied Fruits (e.g., cherries, pineapple) – These provide traditional fruitcake flavor and festive colors; chop them into 1/4-inch pieces for the best consistency. Pecans (or nuts) – Adds delightful texture and flavor; feel free to omit for nut allergies. Embrace the warmth of the season with these Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, packed with fruity goodness and wholesome taste! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While it warms up, take a moment to line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This preparation helps streamline your baking process and keeps your cookies in great shape. Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is essential as it incorporates air, creating a delightful texture in your cookies. Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts Next, add one beaten egg along with your choice of vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon extract. Mix on low speed until fully combined, ensuring it is smooth and silky. The addition of these flavors will enhance the overall taste of your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, making them utterly irresistible. Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could lead to tougher cookies instead of the tender, chewy bites you’re aiming for. Step 5: Fold in Fruity Add-Ins Now, gently fold in your prepared chopped candied fruits and pecans. Aim for even distribution throughout the dough, which will give the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies a festive appearance and a burst of flavor in every bite. The vibrant colors of the fruit will add a cheerful touch to your holiday treats. Step 6: Shape the Cookies Using a cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto the lined baking sheets. Space them about 3-4 inches apart to allow for spreading. This is a key step to ensure your cookies bake evenly without merging together during the baking process. Step 7: Bake the Cookies Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are just golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them—removing them too late can make your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies too dry. You want that perfect balance! Step 8: Cool and Enjoy Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling. The warm cookies will have a delightful chewy texture, and you can almost taste the holiday magic in every bite! Make Ahead Options These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. By chilling the dough, you’ll not only save time later, but you’ll also enhance the flavors, resulting in even more delectable cookies. Additionally, you can bake a batch and store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate them for up to 3 weeks to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply warm them slightly in the oven for a cozy touch, and you’ll have those delicious Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies ready to share! How to Store and Freeze Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and chewy. Fridge: If you need them to last longer, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Seal tightly to avoid moisture loss. Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Reheating: To enjoy frozen Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven for a few minutes to revive their delightful texture. What to Serve with Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies? Creating the perfect holiday experience is all about delightful pairings that enhance the festive flavors of the season. Cup of Hot Cocoa: Comforting and rich, it complements the spiced flavors of the cookies while making every bite feel like a warm hug. Creamy Eggnog: This seasonal classic adds a smooth, indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of the cookies. Spiced Apple Cider: A refreshing drink that brings out the warm spices in the cookies, making it a fantastic choice for holiday gatherings. Festive Cheese Platter: Include soft brie and sharp cheddar—these cheeses provide rich and savory contrasts to the sweet fruitiness. Gingerbread Tea: Its spicy notes marry nicely with the cookies, enhancing the overall warmth and coziness of your holiday snacking. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Their luscious sweetness and juicy freshness create a vibrant contrast with the chewy cookies, making for an elegant dessert duo. Buttery Shortbread Cookies: The rich, crumbly texture of shortbread is a delightful contrast to the chewy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, plus they add variety to your dessert spread. Pecan Pie Bars: For a more indulgent option, these bars echo the nutty flavors in the cookies and will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Milk or Dairy-Free Alternative: A classic pairing that balances out the cookie’s sweetness and enhances the overall flavor experience. Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Variations Feel free to explore these fun twists to make these delightful cookies your own; unleash your creativity in the kitchen! Nut-Free: Omit nuts entirely for a safe, delicious treat for those with allergies. Dried Fruits: Use a mix of cranberries, apricots, or figs for varied sweetness and chewy textures. The possibilities are endless! Incorporating different fruits can create a unique flavor medley in each bite. Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to elevate the spice profile, enhancing warmth in every cookie. Your kitchen will smell heavenly! Coconut Delight: Include shredded coconut for a tropical flair that complements the fruity notes and adds extra chewiness. Chocolate Chip: Swap the candied fruit for chocolate chips for a rich and sweet twist. These chocolatey bites are sure to be a hit! Festive Icing: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies to add a zesty sweetness, making them look as joyful as they taste. Chili Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness. Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement for a plant-based twist. Your vegan friends will appreciate the effort! Can’t get enough of baking? Check out our Top Christmas Cookies for even more inspiration during this magical season! Expert Tips for Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Fruit Coating Trick: Lightly coat your chopped candied fruit with a tablespoon of flour to prevent clumping in the dough. This ensures even distribution in your Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Baking Time Awareness: Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are just golden; they will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if the centers appear soft. Chill the Dough: To avoid spreading, consider chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking, especially if your butter is on the softer side. Storage Reminder: Store your cookies in an airtight container along with a slice of bread to keep them moist. This simple trick helps maintain their chewy texture. Enjoy Variations: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences; for example, try walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor profile in your cookies. Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of dried fruits work best for Christmas Fruitcake Cookies? Absolutely! You can use a variety of dried fruits to customize your Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Classic options like candied cherries and pineapple add traditional flavors, while dried apricots, cranberries, or raisins can introduce unique tastes that pair beautifully with the spices in the cookies. Just remember to chop them into small pieces, around 1/4-inch, to ensure even distribution in the dough. How should I store my Christmas Fruitcake Cookies? Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer preservation, refrigerate them in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 weeks. If you want to freeze them, arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy these delightful treats long after the holiday season. Can I freeze Christmas Fruitcake Cookies? Yes, freezing your Christmas Fruitcake Cookies is a wonderful way to extend their shelf life! Here’s how to do it: After they are completely cooled, layer them in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to separate each layer with parchment paper. Seal the bag tightly and label it with the date. They should be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring back their chewy texture. What if my cookie dough is too soft and spread out during baking? Very! If you find your cookie dough too soft, it’s best to chill it before baking. Simply cover the bowl with the dough and place it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This will firm up the butter in the mix, preventing excessive spreading when the cookies bake. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened properly but not overly melted, as that can lead to flat cookies. Are there any dietary considerations for Christmas Fruitcake Cookies? Of course! If you’re accommodating allergies, you can easily adapt the recipe. To make it nut-free, simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a delicious crunch. If you’re concerned about gluten, using a gluten-free flour blend can work as well, but be sure to check that the dried fruits and any additional ingredients are also gluten-free. Always double-check labels if catering to specific dietary needs! Delicious Christmas Fruitcake Cookies for Festive Joy These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies encapsulate the festive spirit with their chewy textures and spiced flavors, perfect for holiday celebrations. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: ChristmasCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Cookie Batter1/2 cup unsalted butter softened1 cup granulated sugar1 large egg beaten1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond/lemon extract2 cups all-purpose flour1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon baking sodaFruity Add-Ins1 cup chopped candied fruits (e.g., cherries, pineapple)1 cup pecans or other nuts Equipment Mixing BowlElectric MixerBaking sheetsParchment PaperCookie scoop Method Preparation StepsPreheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.Cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until combined.Fold in the chopped candied fruits and pecans until evenly distributed.Drop dollops of dough onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them 3-4 inches apart.Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft.Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesCookies can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness. For variations, you can substitute different nuts or dried fruits based on preference. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
