Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Get into the holiday spirit with these delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! A perfect blend of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, these cookies are sure to become a festive favorite.
This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is inspired by the traditional fruitcake, making it a perfect treat for the festive season. The combination of rich dried fruits and crunchy nuts creates a delightful texture that everyone will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Chewy texture with a burst of fruity goodness
- Simple to make with minimal ingredients
- Perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings
A Festive Treat for Everyone
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies bring the festive spirit to your kitchen with their warm aromas and delightful flavors. Ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply indulging at home, these cookies embody the essence of the season. The combination of dried fruits and nuts not only provides a rich taste but also adds a beautiful texture that appeals to both children and adults alike.
What sets these cookies apart from traditional fruitcake is their chewiness and the ease of preparation. No need for intricate layering or long baking times; these cookies come together quickly, making them a fantastic option for busy holiday schedules. You can whip them up in no time and enjoy the satisfaction of home-baked goodness.
Customizing Your Cookies
One of the best features of this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits and nuts to suit your taste preferences. Dried apricots, figs, or even pineapple can add unique flavors, while almonds or hazelnuts can provide a delightful crunch. Customize your cookies to make them truly yours!
You can also adjust the spices to enhance the cookie's seasonal flair. A pinch of ginger or a dash of cloves can add depth, creating a personalized recipe that reflects your holiday spirit. Don't hesitate to get creative and make these cookies a true expression of your culinary style.
Storing and Gifting Tips
Once baked, these cookies are perfect for sharing! To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For gifting, consider packaging these cookies in decorative tins or boxes. You can even tie them with festive ribbons to add a special touch. Friends and family will appreciate the homemade gift, and the heartfelt effort behind these delightful treats will surely warm their hearts during the holiday season.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
Mix all the ingredients well to ensure a uniform batter.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious fruitcake cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Nutritional Benefits
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The dried fruits contribute essential vitamins and minerals, while the nuts provide healthy fats and protein. This makes for a well-rounded treat that can satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
Using whole ingredients means you’re also avoiding excessive processed sugars and fats, making these cookies a more wholesome choice for holiday snacking. They can be enjoyed as a delightful dessert or even a nutritious breakfast option on busy mornings.
Perfect Pairings
Pair these festive cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea or a festive hot chocolate for a truly cozy experience. The sweet and spicy flavors of the cookies complement the warmth of your favorite beverages, creating the perfect holiday treat.
For a sophisticated touch, consider serving these cookies alongside a selection of cheeses or charcuterie. The sweet and savory combination will elevate your holiday gatherings, impressing your guests and leaving them wanting more.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
It's best to use dried fruits for this recipe, as fresh fruits can add too much moisture.
→ How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
→ What nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts and pecans are great choices, but you can use any nuts you prefer.
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Get into the holiday spirit with these delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! A perfect blend of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, these cookies are sure to become a festive favorite.
Created by: Chloe Bennett
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 2g