Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional holiday favorites, my Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of fruitcake with the fun and ease of cookie baking. They bring warmth to any gathering, whether it’s a casual family night or a festive holiday party. Each bite is packed with sweet candied fruits and crunchy pecans, making them a cherished addition to your dessert table.

What I love most about these cookies is how they can be enjoyed throughout the season. They make perfect gifts for friends and neighbors, and you can even whip them up on busy weeknights when you crave something sweet. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a staple in your holiday baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: These cookies are perfect for everyone. Kids love the fruity flavors, and adults appreciate the nutty crunch!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store in an airtight container—perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of candied fruits and pecans gives these cookies a unique taste that’s sure to impress.
• Versatile treat: Enjoy them as dessert or as a sweet snack with your afternoon tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easily found at your local grocery store. Let’s gather everything you need for these delightful 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 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! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste or what you have on hand.

• Change up the nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Add spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies a warm holiday spice.
• Mix in chocolate: Toss in some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Use dried fruits: If candied fruits aren’t available, dried cranberries or raisins can work beautifully too!

How to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create tender cookies.

Step 2: Add Egg and Essences

Next, beat in the egg along with the vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. These flavors are what make your cookies sing during the holidays!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 4: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Gently fold in the chopped candied pineapple, cherries, and pecans into your cookie dough. The colorful mix adds not only great flavor but also visual appeal—perfect for festive occasions!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

Let your cookies cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later—they’ll still taste amazing!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a joyful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure your fruitcake cookies come out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature helps them blend smoothly, resulting in a better texture for your cookies.

• Chop fruits and nuts evenly – Keeping the sizes consistent ensures even distribution of flavors and textures throughout your cookies, making each bite delightful.

• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies; overworking the dough can lead to a chewy texture instead of a soft one.

• Cool on the baking sheet – Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them allows them to set properly and reduces breakage.

• Store in an airtight container – To keep your cookies fresh and tasty longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll be ready for snacking or gifting!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

These delightful fruitcake cookies are not just tasty but also visually appealing! Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy them during the holiday season.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and makes your cookies look like they’ve just been dusted by winter snow.
• Drizzle with icing – A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and water can enhance sweetness while adding a glossy finish to your cookies.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa – The rich, creamy flavor of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with the fruity notes in your cookies, creating a cozy treat perfect for chilly evenings.
• Spiced tea – A warm cup of spiced tea complements the festive flavors in the fruitcake cookies and provides a fragrant contrast that enhances the overall experience.
• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the cookies while adding a burst of freshness that brightens up any dessert table.
• Cheese platter – Include some mild cheeses alongside your cookies for an unexpected but delicious pairing that will please both sweet and savory lovers alike.

Enjoy sharing these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies with friends and family this holiday season! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them a delightful treat you can enjoy throughout the holiday season. You can easily whip up a batch in advance and store them for later, ensuring that your festive spirit continues even on the busiest days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy within one week for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Let the cookies cool down to room temperature.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, but be careful not to overbake.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help you:

Can I make these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cookies can be prepared and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, making them ideal for holiday prep.

What can I substitute if I don’t have candied cherries?

If candied cherries aren’t available, feel free to use other dried fruits like chopped dates or apricots. Just make sure they’re chopped into similar sizes so they blend well into the cookie dough.

How do I ensure my Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies turn out soft?

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Also, ensure you don’t bake them too long—remove them from the oven when they’re just set in the center.

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Yes! While pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor, you can certainly substitute them with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just chop them roughly as instructed!

Are these cookies suitable for gift-giving?

Definitely! These cookies make beautiful gifts during the holidays. Just package them nicely in a festive box or tin, and they’ll spread holiday cheer wherever they go.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! They hold a special place in my heart as they bring together festive flavors that remind us of warm gatherings and sweet memories. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to spark joy this holiday season. Happy baking!