It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with warmth and holiday cheer. I can’t help but reminisce about cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones, the scent of spices wafting through the house. One of my absolute favorites to whip up are these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat. Not only are they quick to make, ensuring you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all day, but they also capture the essence of festive gatherings with their chewy texture and bursts of fruity goodness. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a cookie that evokes nostalgia while satisfying those sweet cravings. Ready to bring a touch of home-baked happiness to your holiday celebrations? Let’s get baking! Why are these cookies a holiday favorite? Simplicity at its Best: These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies require minimal effort, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. Bursting with Flavor: The delightful mix of dried fruits and crunchy nuts creates a festive explosion of taste in every bite. Tradition Reimagined: They offer a new take on classic fruitcake while retaining the nostalgic elements that we all love. Quick to Make: With just a few steps, you can whip up a batch that is sure to impress friends and family. Versatile Options: Feel free to switch up the dried fruits or nuts based on your preferences to make them truly your own! Perfect Pairing: Serve these cookies with a steaming cup of tea or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat. You might also love making Lemon Pistachio Cookies or Meringue Pie Cookies to add variety to your festive dessert table! Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Base All-purpose flour – Provides the structure needed for chewy cookies; can substitute with gluten-free flour blend if desired. Baking powder – A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise beautifully. Baking soda – Adds leavening and contributes to that lovely golden-brown color. Salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile of your cookies. Ground cinnamon – Infuses warmth and holiday spice into the mix. Ground nutmeg – Adds a delightful festive aroma, making each bite even more special. For the Wet Mix Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; use vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Brown sugar – Provides sweetness and moisture; white sugar can be used for a lighter flavor. Eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients together; substitute with flaxseed meal for a vegan alternative. Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor that rounds out the sweetness. For the Flavor Burst Mixed dried fruit – Contributes sweetness and chewiness; feel free to mix in your favorites like raisins, currants, or cranberries. Chopped nuts – Adds a satisfying crunch; walnuts, pecans, or almonds work wonderfully here. Chopped candied fruit peel (optional) – Provides an extra festive flavor and texture that can elevate your cookies. For Finishing Touches Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional) – A sweet finish to decorate your cookies before serving. Dive into making these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies and spread the joy of the season with every delicious bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, providing a non-stick surface for the cookies to bake on. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This step builds the flour foundation and incorporates the spices evenly, infusing your cookies with festive flavors. Set aside the dry mixture while you prepare the wet ingredients. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. The goal is to create a smooth texture that will make your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies rich and tender. Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients Add in the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until all components are well integrated. This step transforms your batter into a rich, flavorful mix essential for bringing your cookies to life. Step 5: Combine Mixtures Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until they are combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture of your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies tender and soft. It’s okay if some streaks of flour remain as you prepare for the next delicious step. Step 6: Fold in Add-ins Gently fold in your chosen mixed dried fruit, chopped nuts, and candied fruit peel (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step is where your cookies get that delightful burst of fruity flavor and texture, contributing to the holiday spirit with each bite. Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading while baking. The anticipation grows as you prepare to create these festive Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! Step 8: Bake Cookies Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake your cookies for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, looking for golden edges and set centers for the perfect chewy texture. The kitchen will fill with a tempting aroma as they transform into holiday goodness. Step 9: Cooling Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up while maintaining their softness in the middle. Step 10: Dust with Sugar If desired, sprinkle cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. This optional step adds a lovely decorative element, making your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies not just delicious, but also a beautiful treat to share during the festive season. Expert Tips for Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth mix. Cold butter can lead to a dense cookie texture. Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients to keep your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies tender and light. Mix just until combined. Baking Watch: Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking. They may look slightly underbaked but will continue to set while cooling on the baking sheet. Flavor Flexibility: Feel free to play with the mix of dried fruits and nuts. Unique combinations can surprise your friends and family during festive gatherings. Storing Secrets: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for up to a week, or freeze them for longer enjoyment. Storage Tips for Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and fresh. Fridge: If you’re in a humid environment, consider refrigerating them for added freshness, wrapping tightly for up to 2 weeks. Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze cookies in a single layer before transferring to an airtight container; they can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Variations Feel free to personalize these delightful cookies to match your festive spirit and taste preferences! Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter for a completely dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy. The flavor remains rich and delicious! Nut-Free: Swap in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of nuts to cater to nut allergies, maintaining that delightful crunch while ensuring everyone can partake. Spice Up: Mix in ground ginger or cloves for a spicy kick that enhances the warmth of the holiday flavors, creating an aromatic experience. Fruit Variety: Experiment with different dried fruits like apricots, figs, or even tropical fruits like dried mango for a unique twist on the classic sweet. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to keep these cookies accessible for your gluten-sensitive friends and family. Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer it a bit less sweet, try using coconut sugar or reducing the brown sugar slightly while still achieving that comforting flavor. Chocolate Delight: Add in a handful of chocolate chips or chunks for a rich, indulgent treat that takes your fruitcake cookies to another level of yumminess! Festive Toppings: Consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra festive touch, bringing both elegance and sweetness to your dessert spread. With these variations, you can make your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies suit any preference, creating something special for your holiday gatherings! For more delightful cookie ideas, check out Cotton Candy Cookies and Easy Lasagna for a cozy comforting experience! What to Serve with Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Indulging in the sweet aroma of baking these delightful cookies creates the perfect backdrop for a festive meal. Creamy Hot Cocoa: The rich, velvety texture of hot cocoa beautifully complements the chewy charm of your cookies, creating a cozy, warming treat. Spiced Apple Cider: Serve this fragrant drink alongside the cookies for a seasonal touch that elevates the flavors and invokes holiday nostalgia. Gingerbread Cake: With its spiced warmth and moist crumb, this cake offers a delightful contrast to the chewy goodness of the cookies. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can balance the sweetness of the cookies, introducing a touch of savory flavor that brings variety to your dessert spread. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like oranges and pears adds a light, vibrant contrast to the richness of the cookies. Eggnog: This classic holiday beverage, with its creamy and spiced notes, pairs wonderfully with the fruity and nutty flavors of the fruitcake cookies. Nuts and Dried Fruits: A bowl of spiced nuts and dried fruits acts as a delightful snack that echoes the cookies’ flavors and keeps the festive spirit alive. Festive Sugar Cookies: Serving these treats alongside the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies adds a touch of variety to your dessert table, ensuring everyone finds something they love. Bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia to your holiday gatherings with these pairing ideas! Make Ahead Options These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are ideal for busy bakers looking to save time during the festive rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain quality and prevent drying out, ensure there’s minimal air exposure. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the dough directly onto your prepared baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time if using cold dough. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy soft, chewy cookies that taste just as delightful as if they were freshly made! Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe and quality ingredients for my cookies? Absolutely! When selecting dried fruits, look for those that are plump and have vibrant colors, avoiding any with dark spots or a hard texture. For nuts, choose fresh and crisp ones without any rancid smell, as fresh ingredients make a significant difference in flavor. If you’re going for chopped candied fruit peel, opt for candied fruits that feel slightly sticky and are bright in color for that festive touch. What is the best way to store my Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, and how long do they last? To keep your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should maintain their deliciousness for up to 1 week. If you want to enjoy them longer, think about refrigerating them (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 weeks. For even longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months! Just ensure they are fully cooled before freezing. Can I freeze these cookies, and what’s the best method to do so? Yes, you can freeze your cookies! First, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about 1 to 2 hours. Once they’re firm, transfer them to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To enjoy later, simply reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through—perfect for when you need a cozy holiday treat! What if my cookie dough feels too sticky or dry? Very good question! If your dough seems too sticky, it could be that your butter wasn’t softened enough, or too much liquid was added. Try adding a tablespoon of flour and mixing gently to balance the texture. If the dough is too dry, a little splash of milk or water can help bring it together without compromising the overall texture. If you find that the dough isn’t holding its shape while baking, it might benefit from a brief chill in the fridge—about 30 minutes should do the trick! Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free? Absolutely! To make your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies vegan, substitute the eggs with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Instead of regular butter, use a vegan butter alternative for moisture. For gluten-free adjustments, simply swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that textures might vary slightly, but they will still turn out delicious! Are there any allergy considerations I should take into account? Yes, definitely! If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies, consider using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts to still get that delightful crunch. Also, double-check the labels on all your dried fruits and baking ingredients for any potential allergens—especially with candied fruits and extracts, as they can sometimes include unexpected additives. Always make sure that your ingredients suit everyone’s dietary needs for safe and festive sharing! Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies to Spread Holiday Cheer These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies bring warmth and festive cheer to any gathering, combining chewy texture and fruity flavors in a delightful dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: HolidayCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base2 cups all-purpose flour can substitute with gluten-free flour blend1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground nutmegFor the Wet Mix1 cup unsalted butter can use vegan butter1 cup brown sugar white sugar can be used2 large eggs can substitute with flaxseed meal for vegan2 teaspoons vanilla extractFor the Flavor Burst2 cups mixed dried fruit e.g., raisins, currants, or cranberries1 cup chopped nuts e.g., walnuts, pecans, or almonds1/2 cup chopped candied fruit peel optionalFor Finishing Touches1 cup powdered sugar for dusting, optional Equipment Mixing bowlelectric mixerbaking sheetParchment paperCookie Scoop Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Christmas Fruitcake CookiesPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Whisk together dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a large bowl. Cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until thoroughly mixed. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in mixed dried fruit, chopped nuts, and candied fruit peel until evenly distributed. Scoop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden edges and set centers appear. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar if desired before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesStore cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for 2 weeks. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
