Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
These delightful cookies combine the festive flavors of fruitcake into a convenient and easy-to-make treat, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Fruitcake is a classic holiday treat, and these cookies bring all the wonderful flavors into a bite-sized form. They're perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- A delightful blend of fruits and nuts in every bite
- Perfectly spiced for the holiday season
- Quick and easy to make, even for novice bakers
A Festive Treat for Everyone
During the holiday season, the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, bringing joy and warmth to any gathering. These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are not just any ordinary treat; they encapsulate the essence of traditional fruitcake in a form that’s easy to enjoy. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply looking to spread some cheer, these cookies are the perfect addition to your festive spread.
The combination of mixed dried fruits and nuts creates a delightful texture and flavor profile, appealing to both young and old. Each bite offers a burst of sweetness, complemented by the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, making them an ideal cookie for sharing with family and friends. Plus, their colorful appearance adds a festive touch to your dessert table.
Baking Made Simple
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. Even if you are new to baking, you can whip up these delightful cookies in no time. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of cookies that look and taste like they were made by a seasoned baker. The ease of preparation makes this recipe a go-to for busy holiday schedules.
Additionally, the flexibility of the ingredients allows you to customize the cookies to your liking. Feel free to swap out the dried fruits or nuts based on your preferences or what you have on hand. This adaptability makes it easy to make a unique batch every time, ensuring that each holiday season can bring a new twist to a classic recipe.
Perfect for Gifting
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are not just a treat for yourself; they make wonderful gifts too! Package them in decorative tins or festive boxes to share with neighbors, coworkers, or loved ones. A homemade gift is always appreciated, and these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth to anyone who receives them.
Creating a holiday gift basket with these cookies, along with some other treats, can be a delightful way to show your appreciation for others. Pair them with hot cocoa mix or a bottle of holiday-spiced wine for an extra special touch. The thoughtfulness of a homemade gift is something that will be cherished long after the last cookie is gone.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, candied peel)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix all the ingredients well to create a dough.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing 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 a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Blend Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Fold in the mixed dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies with friends and family!
Storage Tips
To keep your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors throughout the holiday season. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you're ready to enjoy a cookie from the freezer, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. The flavors will remain intact, and you’ll have a taste of the holidays whenever you crave it!
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve them alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee to create a cozy afternoon treat. For a more festive touch, consider offering them with mulled wine or eggnog during holiday gatherings. Their rich, spiced flavor complements these drinks perfectly, enhancing the overall experience.
Additionally, you can serve these cookies as part of a dessert platter alongside other holiday sweets. They add a colorful burst to any spread and can be enjoyed by guests of all ages. Encourage everyone to grab a cookie and make lasting memories around the dessert table!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
Fresh fruits have a higher moisture content and can alter the texture of the cookies. It's best to stick with dried fruits.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
→ What can I substitute for butter?
You can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free option.
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
These delightful cookies combine the festive flavors of fruitcake into a convenient and easy-to-make treat, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Created by: Natalie Warren
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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, candied peel)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing 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 a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the mixed dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
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: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g