Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season, this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are not only a delicious twist on traditional fruitcake, but they also bring a burst of color and flavor to your dessert table. Whenever I bake these, I can’t help but feel festive—each bite brings back warm memories of Christmas gatherings with family and friends.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress. The blend of sweet candied fruits and crunchy pecans makes them irresistible. So, let’s dive into this wonderful cookie recipe that’s bound to become a holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies in the oven in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping mix the colorful ingredients and taste-testing along the way.
• Make-Ahead Treat: Bake a batch early in the season and store them for when guests come over or when you need a sweet treat.
• Deliciously Festive: Each cookie is packed with flavors that scream holiday cheer—perfect for sharing at parties!
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to match your family’s taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to baking, simple and wholesome ingredients are key. For this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe, you likely have most of these items in your pantry already! 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 Delight

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

This combination creates a cookie that’s both chewy and crunchy—just perfect for any holiday celebration!

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add chocolate chips: For a richer flavor, throw in some dark or white chocolate chips.
• Use different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
• Incorporate spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra warmth during the holidays.
• Try dried fruits: Substitute some candied fruits with dried cranberries or raisins for a different texture.

How to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies soft and tender.

Step 2: Add Egg and Essences

Next, add in the large egg along with the vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. Beat well until everything is combined. The essences add fantastic flavor that will make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

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 into your dough. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so every bite has that lovely fruity crunch.

Step 5: Scoop onto Baking Sheets

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets. Leave some space between each scoop as they will spread while baking.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different! Once done, let them cool on trays before transferring them to wire racks.

And there you have it—your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself; either way, they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a joyful and rewarding experience, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter blend more easily with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy texture in your cookies.

• Mix well but don’t overdo it: Combine your ingredients until just mixed. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as everything is incorporated.

• Chill the dough if needed: If you find your dough is too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.

• Experiment with fruits and nuts: Feel free to substitute different dried fruits or nuts based on your preferences! Dried cranberries or walnuts can add a delightful twist to these cookies.

• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can freeze them; just make sure they’re well-wrapped!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving them! Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, here are some creative ways to present your fruitcake cookies.

Garnishes

• Dusting of powdered sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch and enhances their festive appearance.

• Drizzle of white chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate the flavors and make them look extra special.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Nothing pairs better with cookies than a warm cup of rich hot cocoa. The creamy chocolate flavor complements the fruity notes beautifully.

• Spiced chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea will harmonize perfectly with the flavors of the fruitcake cookies, making for a cozy snack pairing.

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your dessert table. Use seasonal fruits like oranges and pomegranates for a colorful addition!

• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses, such as cream cheese or mascarpone, balances the sweetness of the cookies with their creamy texture.

Enjoy baking and sharing these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies this holiday season! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for your holiday baking. You can whip up a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment. Let’s dive into how to keep these delightful cookies fresh!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for about 5-7 days.
• If you want to maintain their texture, layer parchment paper between the cookies.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, warm each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe.

Can I make these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup with regular flour.

How should I store the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.

Can I add other fruits or nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out or add different dried fruits or nuts according to your preference.

How long do these fruitcake cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can last about 5-7 days.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to bake these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies this holiday season! They’re not just delicious but also packed with festive flavors that bring warmth and joy. Enjoy making them as a treat for yourself or share them with loved ones. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweet moments!