Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the spirit of the holidays to your kitchen, then this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are like little bites of joy, filled with festive flavors and a colorful mix of fruits and nuts. They not only make for a perfect dessert during family gatherings but also add a lovely touch to any holiday cookie platter. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up even on the busiest of weeknights!
What I love most about these cookies is how they combine the classic taste of fruitcake with the convenience of cookies. You get all those wonderful holiday flavors without the fuss! Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become a new favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these sweet treats ready in no time!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the chewy texture and fruity flavor, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: These cookies store beautifully, so feel free to bake them ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
- Festive Flavor: Packed with candied fruits and nuts, each cookie offers a burst of holiday cheer in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be pleased to know that this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Gathering them is half the fun!
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
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to customize it based on what you have at home or your family’s taste preferences!
- Add Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds to give your cookies a unique twist.
- Experiment with Dried Fruits: Try using dried cranberries or apricots instead of candied fruits for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Festive: Add some festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to bring an extra warmth to your cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free blend for those who need it!
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 helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. Beat until it’s nice and smooth—about 2-3 minutes should do.
Step 2: Add Egg and Essences
Next, add in the egg along with vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. Mix until everything is well combined. The essences bring out such lovely flavors that perfectly complement the fruits in our cookies.
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 stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender!
Step 4: Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Now comes the fun part—folding in the chopped candied pineapple, cherries, and chopped pecans. This step adds texture and all those vibrant colors that scream holiday cheer! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bake Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave some space between them because they will spread a bit while baking. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they’re lightly golden around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack—if you can resist sneaking one right away! Once cooled, these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are ready to enjoy or share with friends and family during this joyful season.
I hope you love making these as much as I do! They’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Making these delightful cookies is a joyous experience that can bring warmth to your holiday gatherings. Here are some tips to ensure your baking adventure goes smoothly:
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Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter cream more easily with sugar, leading to a better texture and fluffiness in your cookies.
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Chop the fruits and nuts uniformly: Ensuring that your candied fruits and nuts are evenly chopped will give the cookies a more consistent bite and make for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely want to avoid!
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Chill the dough if necessary: If your kitchen is warm or if you find the dough too soft, popping it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes can help structure the cookies better during baking.
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Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a personal touch that resonates with your family’s taste.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
These vibrant and festive fruitcake cookies not only taste divine but also present beautifully. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them during your holiday celebrations!
Garnishes
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Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and makes these cookies look even more festive.
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Fresh mint leaves: Placing a small sprig of fresh mint alongside each cookie adds a pop of color and an aromatic freshness that complements the sweetness.
Side Dishes
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Hot cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa is perfect for pairing with these cookies, creating a cozy drink-and-snack combo that’s ideal for winter evenings.
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Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies while keeping things light and cheerful on your dessert table.
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Cheese platter: Include a selection of creamy cheeses such as Brie or goat cheese. The savory notes will balance nicely with the sweetness of the fruitcake cookies.
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Spiced apple cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider as a comforting beverage option that enhances the holiday spirit while complementing the cookie’s flavors beautifully.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your friends and family this holiday season with your delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! Happy baking!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive treats throughout the holiday season without the last-minute rush. Here’s how you can store them and keep them fresh for whenever the holiday spirit strikes!
Storing Leftovers
- Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They should stay fresh for up to one week.
- If you have multiple layers of cookies, place parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
Freezing
- To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They 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 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Alternatively, microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.
FAQs
Here are some common questions that might come up while making this delightful recipe!
Can I make these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these cookies a few days before your holiday celebrations and store them in an airtight container.
What makes this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe special?
These cookies combine traditional fruitcake flavors with a chewy cookie texture, making them a unique festive treat that everyone will love!
Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
Yes! You can swap out the nuts or use different candied fruits based on your preference. Just ensure that any substitutes align with your dietary needs.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges of the cookies will turn golden brown while the centers may still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
What should I serve these fruitcake cookies with?
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. They’re also great as part of a dessert platter during holiday gatherings!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe a try! These warm, festive bites hold so many wonderful flavors and memories, making them a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Whether you share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I’m sure they’ll bring joy to your festivities. Happy baking, and may your holidays be sweet and bright!
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Description
If you’re searching for a festive treat that captures the essence of the holidays, look no further than these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. These delightful cookies combine the rich flavors of traditional fruitcake in a convenient cookie form, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Bursting with candied fruits and crunchy nuts, each bite offers a joyful taste of the season. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also store beautifully, allowing you to bake ahead and enjoy stress-free celebrations. Indulge in these chewy, colorful cookies that will surely become a holiday favorite!
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg along with vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in chopped candied fruits and pecans until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet with space between them.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let cool on a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
