Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe combines the festive flavors of fruitcake in a delicious, easy-to-make cookie form. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
These cookies are a delightful twist on traditional fruitcake, perfect for sharing during the holiday season. They are filled with dried fruits and nuts, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delicious blend of dried fruits and nuts
- Soft, chewy texture with a hint of spice
- Perfect for holiday gifting or snacking
The Joy of Holiday Baking
Baking during the holiday season is a cherished tradition in many households. The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe allows you to recreate the beloved flavors of fruitcake in a more approachable cookie format. It's a delightful way to share the spirit of the season with family and friends.
These cookies not only taste fantastic, but they also offer a great opportunity to get the kids involved in the kitchen. Mixing, scooping, and decorating can become a fun family activity that creates lasting memories. Plus, the vibrant colors of the dried fruits will make the cookies visually appealing, adding to the festive cheer.
Perfect for Gifting and Sharing
One of the best parts of the holiday season is the act of giving. These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies make for a wonderful gift, whether you’re creating a cookie box for neighbors or bringing a batch to a holiday party. Their unique flavors and chewy texture are sure to impress anyone who receives them.
Consider packaging these cookies in a decorative tin or wrapping them in festive cellophane tied with a ribbon. Not only do they taste great, but they also present beautifully, making them an ideal treat to share with loved ones. They can even be included in homemade gift baskets alongside other baked goods and seasonal treats.
Storage and Shelf Life
After baking these delicious fruitcake cookies, you might find yourself with a generous batch. Luckily, these cookies store very well! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, just let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat. This way, you can savor the flavors of the holidays well beyond the festive season.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
Mix well and prepare for baking!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix Together
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 tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your festive cookies!
Ingredients Substitutions
One of the great things about this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is its versatility. If you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, you can easily make substitutions. For instance, if you're looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Similarly, you can use a flax egg or applesauce instead of the eggs for a vegan version.
Additionally, feel free to customize the dried fruits and nuts to suit your taste. Dried cranberries, figs, or even chocolate chunks can add a unique twist to the cookies. Experimenting with different spices, like ginger or allspice, can also enhance the flavor profile, making these cookies your very own signature treat.
Serving Suggestions
These fruitcake cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving them with a warm cup of spiced tea or a hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a wonderful addition to a holiday dessert table, where they can complement other festive desserts.
If you're feeling extra indulgent, try topping these cookies with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. They can even be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?
It's best to use dried fruits, as fresh fruits can add too much moisture to the dough.
→ How do I store these 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 and bake when ready!
→ What nuts work best for this recipe?
Walnuts and pecans are great choices, but feel free to use your favorites!
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe combines the festive flavors of fruitcake in a delicious, easy-to-make cookie form. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Created by: Lydia Spencer
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, apricots)
- 1 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 large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts.
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g