Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings joy to your holiday gatherings, you’ve found it! This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional fruitcake, transforming it into bite-sized cookies that everyone will love. These cookies not only capture the spirit of Christmas with their rich flavors but are also an excellent way to use up those vibrant candied fruits we often see this time of year.

What makes this recipe so special is how simple it is to prepare. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want a sweet treat for busy weeknights, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Let’s get started on creating these delicious bites of holiday cheer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking, you can whip these cookies up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet flavors and chewy texture, making them perfect for sharing.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake these cookies in advance and store them for several days—ideal for busy holiday schedules.
• Deliciously Festive: Packed with fruity goodness, every bite feels like a celebration, bringing the essence of Christmas right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this recipe so wholesome and delightful. These simple pantry staples come together beautifully to create cookies bursting with flavor.

For the Cookies

• 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
• 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 get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Extra Spices: For a warm flavor boost, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
• Use Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a unique twist in each batch.
• Dried Fruits Instead of Candied: If you prefer less sweetness, use dried cranberries or apricots instead of candied fruits.
• Chocolate Chips Delight: Add a half cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra touch of decadence.

How to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Begin by creaming together your softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in light and fluffy cookies. Use an electric mixer or beat vigorously by hand until it’s pale and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Essences

Next, beat in the egg along with your vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. Each essence adds its unique flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of your cookies. Keep mixing until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the plain flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while stirring gently. This helps prevent any lumps from forming while ensuring that all components mix evenly.

Step 4: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped candied fruits and pecans into your batter. This step ensures each cookie is packed with delicious bits of sweetness and crunchy texture.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake them for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, let your cookies cool on a wire rack before enjoying them warm or storing them away for later. They make wonderful gifts or additions to any festive spread!

And there you have it—your very own Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe! I hope these little delights bring warmth and happiness to your holidays just as they have done in mine. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to guide you along the way!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and egg ensures that they mix together smoothly, creating a better texture in your cookies.

• Chop fruits uniformly: Make sure your candied fruits and nuts are chopped into similar sizes. This helps them distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough, giving each bite a balanced flavor.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies instead of tender ones.

• Cool before serving: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack after baking. This step helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle without falling apart.

• Store in an airtight container: To keep your fruitcake cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Presenting your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies can be just as enjoyable as baking them! Here are some ideas on how to showcase these festive treats during your holiday gatherings.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely visual appeal and a touch of sweetness that complements the flavors of the cookies.
• Pair with fresh mint leaves: Placing a fresh mint leaf beside each cookie not only brightens up the plate but also adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: The warm spice notes of apple cider are a perfect pairing with these fruity cookies, creating a comforting drink option for your guests.
• Vanilla almond milk: For a creamy accompaniment, serve chilled vanilla almond milk. Its nutty flavor beautifully complements the pecans in the cookies.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese can balance out the sweetness of your cookies, offering guests a savory contrast.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can enhance the overall experience by adding freshness and brightness to the dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush during the busy holiday season! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and store them for later snacking or gifting.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Cookies can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

How can I make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute plain flour with gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts. Just ensure that your other ingredients, like baking soda and candied fruits, are also gluten-free!

Can I use different nuts in the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just remember to chop them roughly for the best texture!

How long do Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can last up to a week. Refrigerating them can extend their freshness to two weeks!

What is the best way to decorate Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies?

For a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. It’s a simple way to add some holiday cheer!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies as I do! They’re not just delicious; they carry the spirit of the holidays within each bite. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every moment of your holiday baking adventure!