Name: Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Holiday Treat
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

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If you’re looking for a festive treat that captures the spirit of the season, you’ve come to the right place! The Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional fruitcake, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. These cookies blend rich flavors and colorful ingredients, bringing joy to your taste buds and warmth to your heart.

What makes this recipe special is how it combines simplicity with nostalgia, evoking memories of family baking sessions during the holidays. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your Christmas traditions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: With just 35 minutes total time, you can whip up these cookies without any fuss.
Family-friendly: Kids love the colorful fruits and nuts, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Make-ahead convenience: These cookies stay fresh for days, so you can bake them in advance and enjoy them throughout the season.
Deliciously festive: The combination of candied fruits and nuts creates a wonderful flavor that captures the essence of Christmas.
Versatile treat: Great for cookie swaps, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create our delightful Christmas cookies! You likely have many of these items in your pantry already.

For the 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 Mix

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

These vibrant ingredients will not only make your kitchen smell amazing but also delight everyone who gets to taste your homemade goodies!

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.

Change up the nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or macadamia nuts for a different crunch.
Add some spice: Include a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies an extra warm flavor.
Go tropical: Incorporate dried mango or coconut flakes along with the candied fruits for a fun twist.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour as a simple substitute to cater to those with dietary restrictions.

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 essential because it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in light and fluffy cookies. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s nice and smooth.

Step 2: Add Egg and Flavors

Next, add in the large egg along with vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. Mixing these flavors well will enhance the overall taste of your cookies. Beat until everything is combined — it should look creamy and inviting!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together plain flour, salt, and baking soda. This helps ensure that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want those cookies tender!

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. This step adds color and texture to our cookie dough. Be careful not to break up the fruits too much — we want those lovely chunks in each bite!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them; they’ll be ready when they release that delicious aroma!

Step 6: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, let your cookies cool on a wire rack before indulging. Allowing them to cool properly helps set their shape while enhancing their flavors further — if you can wait that long! Enjoy these delightful treats with friends and family during this magical season!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Making these delightful cookies is a joyous experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they’re perfect every time!

Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter and egg to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures better incorporation of ingredients.
Chop your fruit evenly: For uniform baking, make sure that the chopped candied fruits are roughly the same size. This ensures that every bite has a balanced flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely want to avoid!
Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps improve the texture and makes it easier to handle.
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies! Adding dried cranberries or walnuts can give an exciting twist while maintaining that festive spirit.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

These cookies not only taste fantastic but also look beautiful on any holiday table. Here are some ideas on how to present them:

Garnishes

Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a snowy touch that’s perfect for holiday vibes.
Fresh mint leaves: Placing a few fresh mint leaves alongside your cookies can introduce a lovely color contrast and refreshing aroma.

Side Dishes

Hot cocoa: This warm beverage pairs wonderfully with the fruity flavors of the cookies, creating a cozy combination perfect for winter evenings.
Spiced tea: A cup of spiced chai or herbal tea complements the sweetness of the cookies while adding an aromatic element to your treat platter.
Fruit platter: A selection of fresh seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, or pomegranates can brighten up your dessert table and provide a refreshing balance.
Cheese board: Offering mild cheeses alongside these sweet cookies can create a delightful contrast in flavors and textures, making for an inviting spread.

Now that you’re equipped with these tips and serving ideas, get ready to enjoy some delicious Christmas Fruitcake Cookies that will surely warm hearts during this festive season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are not just a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep. You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the holiday season. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and ready to enjoy!

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
They will stay fresh for up to one week.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.

Freezing

Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm cookie, 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, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of this recipe!

What makes this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe special?

This recipe combines the festive flavors of candied fruit and nuts, creating a delightful twist on traditional fruitcake that’s easy to bake and share.

Can I customize my Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any of the candied fruits or nuts with your favorites or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

How do I prevent my Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies from being too dry?

Make sure not to overbake them; they should be lightly golden around the edges. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps retain moisture.

Can I use different types of flour in this recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free blends if you prefer, but this may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! They embody the spirit of the holidays with their vibrant flavors and cozy textures. Whether sharing them with loved ones or savoring them by yourself, these cookies are sure to bring warmth to your celebrations. Happy baking!

Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Holiday Treat

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Description

Get ready to celebrate the holiday season with these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! This delightful recipe provides a nostalgic twist on traditional fruitcake, presenting an effortless way to enjoy festive flavors in a cookie form. Bursting with colorful candied fruits and crunchy pecans, these cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. In just 35 minutes, you can create a batch that will fill your home with warm aromas and sweet memories. Ideal for cookie swaps or as thoughtful gifts, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg along with vanilla, almond, and lemon essences until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
Gently fold in the candied fruits and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Let cool before serving.