Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to add to your holiday baking list, this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are a wonderful twist on the classic fruitcake, combining the joy of festive flavors in a bite-sized form. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends during gatherings or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea at home.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and the way it brings together vibrant candied fruits and crunchy nuts. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert ideas. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this cookie recipe has found a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, these cookies come together in a flash!
• Deliciously Festive: The combination of candied fruits and nuts adds rich flavor and texture that screams holiday cheer.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the colorful fruit pieces, making it fun for everyone involved in the baking process.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These cookies store well, so you can bake them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the season.
• Versatile Treat: Great for cookie exchanges or as a sweet gift for neighbors and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You’ll find everything you need to create these delightful cookies right in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Base

• 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 Goodness

• 1 cup chopped candied pineapple
• 1 cup chopped candied red cherries
• 1 cup chopped candied green cherries
• 1 cup roughly chopped pecans

These ingredients come together beautifully to create cookies that are not only tasty but also visually appealing!

Variations

This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Dried Fruits: Swap out some of the candied fruits for dried cranberries or raisins for a different texture.
• Nut Alternatives: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans if you prefer a different nut flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of warmth.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Fold in some chocolate chips for a delightful contrast to the fruity sweetness.

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 until light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies a lovely texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Flavors

Next, beat in one large egg along with vanilla essence, almond essence, and lemon essence. Mixing these flavors will infuse your cookies with a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen with holiday spirit.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together plain flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies tender!

Step 4: Fold in the Fruits and Nuts

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped candied pineapple, red cherries, green cherries, and roughly chopped pecans into your dough. This step ensures that every cookie gets packed with fruity goodness.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden around the edges. The smell will be irresistible!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

Allow your cookies to cool on wire racks before indulging in their scrumptiousness. Once cooled, feel free to share them or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!

I hope you enjoy these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies as much as I do! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful fruitcake cookies is a breeze, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and eggs helps create a smooth batter that incorporates air more easily, resulting in lighter cookies.
• Chop fruits and nuts uniformly: Ensuring that your candied fruits and pecans are chopped into similar sizes helps them distribute evenly throughout the dough, giving each bite a perfect balance of flavors.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. A gentle hand ensures they remain soft and tender.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and holiday cheer. These spices complement the sweet fruitiness beautifully!
• Cool before serving: Allowing your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set up properly without falling apart.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

These festive cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! When it comes to presenting your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, there are several fun ways to elevate their charm.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a snowy effect, making your cookies look even more festive.
• Edible glitter: For those who love a touch of sparkle, edible glitter can bring joy and whimsy to your cookie presentation.

Side Dishes

• Hot chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate complements the fruity flavors of the cookies perfectly. Top it with whipped coconut cream for added delight!
• Spiced apple cider: The warm spices in spiced apple cider echo the cozy flavors of the cookies, making it an ideal pairing for holiday gatherings.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies. Use seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and apples for a colorful touch.
• Cheese platter: Offering a selection of creamy cheeses alongside your cookies creates an enticing contrast in textures and flavors that guests will love.

Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies this holiday season! They’ll surely become a cherished tradition in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can bake them ahead of time, making your holiday celebrations less stressful. Here’s how to store and enjoy them later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to one week.

Freezing

• Freeze the cookies before or after baking.
• If freezing unbaked dough, scoop into balls and place on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until solid.
• Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.
• For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to an airtight container.

Reheating

• For frozen baked cookies, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Enjoy fresh out of the oven!

FAQs

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

Can I make the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend for delicious gluten-free cookies.

How long will the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Can I substitute other nuts in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to use chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans, depending on your preference.

What can I use instead of candied fruit?

If you prefer, you can use dried fruits like raisins or cranberries as a substitute for candied pineapple and cherries. Just chop them into smaller pieces!

Are these cookies suitable for shipping?

Yes! These cookies hold up well during shipping. Just make sure they are well-packaged in an airtight container to prevent breakage.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just tasty; they carry that warm holiday spirit with every bite. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with loved ones by the fire, they’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Happy baking!