Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to share this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is not just a cookie; it’s a festive celebration in every bite. These cookies bring together the flavors of candied fruits and nuts, making them perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home with a warm beverage.

I love how these cookies remind me of cherished memories spent with loved ones, baking together while holiday music plays in the background. They are easy to whip up, so even on busy weeknights, you can create something special. Let’s dive into this recipe that will surely become a cherished part of your holiday tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking time, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet and fruity flavor, making these cookies a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch in advance and store them for easy snacking or gifting.
• Festive Flavors: The mix of candied fruits adds a cheerful touch that embodies the spirit of Christmas.
• Customizable: Feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy ingredients here—just simple, wholesome items that are likely already in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need for these delightful cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

For the Fruity Additions

• 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! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a new twist.
• Try Dried Fruits: Use raisins or dried cranberries if you prefer a different fruity flavor.
• Experiment with Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add an extra layer of warmth.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free blend for those avoiding gluten.

How to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies a light texture. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes should do it!

Step 2: Add the Egg and Essences

Next, add in your large egg along with the vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. Mix well until everything is combined. These essences will enhance the overall flavor profile of your cookies, making each bite taste like the holidays.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the plain flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing continuously. This helps prevent lumps and ensures all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped candied pineapple, red cherries, green cherries, and pecans until they’re evenly incorporated into the dough. This step adds texture and bursts of sweetness that make these cookies so special!

Step 5: Scoop onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart. This gives them space to spread during baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer—trust me; it’s hard to resist checking on them early!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, let them cool on wire racks before serving. These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect enjoyed warm or stored for later—if they last that long!

Enjoy sharing these festive treats with family and friends—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations! Here are some tips to ensure your baking experience is a success.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature helps them blend more easily, creating a smoother batter that will yield chewier cookies.
• Chop fruits and nuts uniformly: Cutting your candied fruits and pecans into similar sizes ensures even distribution throughout the dough, allowing every bite to be just as delicious as the last.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until the ingredients are combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. A light hand will keep your cookies tender and enjoyable.
• Cool on a wire rack: Allowing the cookies to cool on a wire rack after baking enhances their texture by preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
• Store properly for freshness: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Presenting these vibrant cookies can make your holiday gatherings even more festive! Here are some fun ideas for serving them up.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and brings a festive look to each cookie.
• Drizzle with white chocolate: Melted white chocolate drizzled over the top creates a delicious contrast in flavor and enhances visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Rich, creamy hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these cookies, creating a cozy treat for chilly evenings.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making it a great complement.
• Spiced tea: Warm spiced tea brings out the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg that often accompany holiday treats, enhancing your snacking experience.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness of these cookies, providing a savory option for guests who may want something different.

With these presentation ideas and pro tips, you’re all set to make memorable moments around your holiday table! Enjoy every delicious bite of your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors without the last-minute rush. You can bake them in advance and store them for your holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• For longer storage, consider refrigerating them to maintain their quality.

Freezing

• Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a cup of tea or coffee!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this festive recipe!

Can I make the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake these cookies in advance and store them as described above. They taste great even after a few days.

What can I substitute for candied fruit in the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

You can use dried fruits like raisins or cranberries as alternatives. Just chop them into smaller pieces for better incorporation into the dough!

How do I know when my Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I add other nuts besides pecans to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to mix in walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor. Just make sure they are chopped evenly.

Are there any gluten-free options for this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking. Adjustments may be needed based on the blend used.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! They not only capture the essence of the holidays but also bring warmth and cheer to any gathering. Baking is always better when shared, so invite your loved ones into your kitchen and create delightful memories together. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with sweetness!