Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, then this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies bring together the festive flavors of candied fruits and nuts, all nestled in a buttery cookie base. They are perfect for sharing at family gatherings or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea after a busy day. Every bite reminds me of cozy Christmas mornings, making them a cherished favorite I can’t wait to share with you.

What I love most about these cookies is their versatility. You can whip them up in no time, making them ideal for those last-minute baking sessions or as a special treat for your loved ones during the holiday season. So gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of candied pineapple and cherries creates a delightful burst of sweetness in every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and these cookies are fun to decorate and share!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for holiday parties or unexpected guests.
• Comforting Treat: Enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven or with your favorite drink as a comforting snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create our festive cookies. Let’s take a look at 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

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the Festive Mix-ins

• 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 parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to play around with different ingredients based on your preferences.

• Mix in Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Add Spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies an extra warmth that screams holiday cheer.
• Try Dried Fruits: Use dried cranberries or apricots if you want to switch things up while keeping that fruity essence.
• Chocolate Chips Delight: For a chocolatey twist, add half a cup of chocolate chips to the batter!

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. Use an electric mixer or whisk until it’s light and fluffy. This step is important because it adds air into the mixture, helping your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 2: Add Egg and Essences

Next, mix in the large egg along with vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. These flavors will infuse your cookies with that delightful holiday aroma. Ensure everything is well combined before moving on.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together plain flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; over-mixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 4: Fold in the Festive Mix-ins

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped candied pineapple, red cherries, green cherries, and pecans. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough; these add texture and bursts of sweetness to each cookie.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dollops of dough onto lined baking sheets. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them—they’ll go from perfect to too brown quickly!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling time helps them set perfectly! After they’ve cooled completely, enjoy these delicious treats as part of your festive celebrations.

Happy baking! I can’t wait for you to try this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe—your friends and family will surely love them!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Baking is all about joy and experimentation, so here are some handy tips to make your cookies truly shine!

• Chill the dough: Letting your dough chill for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the flavors meld together and results in a firmer texture, making it easier to shape and handle.

• Use fresh candied fruits: Fresh candied fruits not only enhance the flavor but also add a pop of color. Ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your cookies.

• Measure accurately: Baking is a science! Use a kitchen scale or standard measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts of each ingredient, which will help your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help maintain moisture and keep them soft longer.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

These delightful fruitcake cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely touch that feels like snowfall—perfect for Christmas!
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint not only look pretty but also add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Warm spiced apple cider: This comforting beverage pairs wonderfully with fruitcake cookies, enhancing their flavors while warming you up on chilly days.
• Vanilla almond milk: Creamy and slightly sweet, this vegan alternative complements the rich taste of fruitcake cookies without overpowering them.
• Seasonal fruit platter: A vibrant platter of seasonal fruits like oranges, pears, and pomegranates provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of your cookies.
• Herbal tea selection: Offering an array of herbal teas can elevate your cookie experience, providing soothing warmth and various flavors that pair nicely with sweet treats.

Enjoy creating these festive delights, and don’t forget to share them with those you love! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor the flavors of the holidays throughout the season. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or simply want to enjoy some delightful treats at home, these cookies hold up beautifully!

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will keep fresh for up to one week.
• For extra moisture, consider adding a slice of bread inside the container.

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 stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• If you’d like to enjoy 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, you can use a microwave for about 10-15 seconds per cookie.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe without candied fruit?

Yes! You can substitute dried fruits like raisins or cranberries if you prefer. Just chop them to similar sizes as the candied fruit.

How do I ensure my Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe turns out perfectly?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and accurately measure your ingredients. Chilling the dough slightly before baking can also help maintain their shape.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds based on your preference or dietary needs.

How long do these cookies last after making the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to one week at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! They bring a lovely blend of flavors that are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season. I’m excited for you to try this recipe and create sweet memories in your kitchen. Happy baking!