Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Packed with dried fruits and nuts, these cookies are a festive treat that's easy to make and perfect for sharing.
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are inspired by traditional fruitcake but in a convenient cookie form. They bring the flavors of the season together in every bite, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Festive flavors that embody the spirit of Christmas
- Easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings
- Chewy texture with a delightful crunch from nuts
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious treats! These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies encapsulate the festive spirit with their rich flavors and delightful textures. As you gather around with family and friends, sharing these cookies will surely bring smiles and warmth to your holiday gatherings. The combination of dried fruits and nuts adds a touch of elegance, making them perfect for holiday cookie platters or as thoughtful gifts.
Unlike traditional fruitcakes, these cookies are easy to make and can be whipped up in no time. Their chewy texture combined with the crunch from the nuts creates a delightful contrast that will keep everyone coming back for more. You'll find that these cookies not only taste great but also fill your home with the inviting aroma of Christmas spices.
A Versatile Recipe
One of the best things about this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize the dried fruits and nuts to suit your personal taste or what you have on hand. You might prefer dried apricots, figs, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Similarly, mix in almonds or macadamia nuts for a different crunch. This adaptability allows you to make these cookies uniquely yours, ensuring that they become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Additionally, these cookies can be easily stored and enjoyed well beyond the holiday season. Simply keep them in an airtight container, and they'll stay fresh for weeks. This means you can indulge in the festive flavors long after the Christmas decorations have come down.
Sharing the Love
Baking these cookies can be a wonderful bonding experience with loved ones. Invite family members or friends into the kitchen to help mix, scoop, and bake. Not only will you create delicious treats, but you'll also make lasting memories together. This shared experience can be a joyful part of your holiday celebrations, emphasizing the importance of connection during this special time of year.
Once baked, these cookies make a perfect gift for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers. Present them in festive tins or boxes, and watch as their faces light up with delight. It's a simple yet heartfelt gesture that spreads joy and kindness, embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before you start baking to make the process smoother.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cookies.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts.
Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
Storage Tips
To keep your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay delicious for up to two weeks, making them an excellent choice for pre-holiday baking. If you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy a taste of Christmas even in the middle of summer!
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them slightly in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their chewy texture and enhance their flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of beverages to enhance your holiday experience. Serve them with a warm cup of spiced cider, hot chocolate, or even a festive eggnog. The combination of flavors will create a cozy atmosphere that is sure to please everyone at your gathering.
For an elegant touch, consider serving these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a delightful contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies and turns them into a festive dessert that can be enjoyed at any holiday table.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Fresh fruit is not recommended as it contains more moisture and can affect the cookie's texture.
→ How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
→ What can I substitute for nuts?
You can omit the nuts or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Packed with dried fruits and nuts, these cookies are a festive treat that's easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Created by: Chloe Bennett
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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, salt, and ground cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts.
Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g