Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Enjoy the delightful taste of the holidays with these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Bursting with flavors of dried fruits and nuts, they are perfect for gift-giving or festive gatherings.
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional fruitcake, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday parties. Their festive flavors bring warmth and joy, making every bite a celebration of the season!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bursting with colorful dried fruits and nuts
- Soft and chewy texture that delights the palate
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules
A Festive Treat for Everyone
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are not only a delicious addition to your holiday cookie tray, but they also bring a sense of nostalgia. The combination of dried fruits and nuts evokes the traditional flavors of a classic fruitcake, but in a much more accessible cookie form. Whether you're enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa or sharing them with family and friends, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer.
Perfect for cookie exchanges or as thoughtful gifts, these cookies can be packaged beautifully. Imagine giving a box filled with these colorful treats adorned with a festive ribbon! They make for a delightful surprise that will be appreciated by anyone lucky enough to receive them.
Customizing Your Cookies
One of the best parts about baking cookies is the ability to customize them to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits, such as figs or dates, or incorporate your favorite nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. This flexibility not only allows you to tailor the cookies to your preferences but also keeps the recipe exciting each time you make it.
You can also adjust the spices according to your taste. If you love a stronger flavor, consider adding more cinnamon or a pinch of ginger. For a festive twist, a splash of orange zest can elevate the overall taste, making these cookies even more special during the holiday season.
Storage and Shelf Life
Storing your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies correctly is essential to maintain their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, consider freezing them. Just ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. The cookies will retain their soft and chewy texture, making them taste freshly baked even after being frozen. This makes them a convenient option for unexpected guests or last-minute holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients well and prepare to bake!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the dried fruits, nuts, and vanilla extract.
Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Cool and Serve
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your festive cookies!
The Joy of Baking Together
Baking these cookies can be a wonderful family activity. Gather your loved ones in the kitchen and let everyone join in the fun. From measuring ingredients to mixing dough, involving kids or friends can make the experience more enjoyable and create lasting memories. You can even set up a decorating station with colorful sprinkles or icing to personalize the cookies, adding an extra layer of creativity.
Sharing the joy of baking not only enhances the flavor of the cookies but also strengthens bonds among family and friends. Plus, the laughter and chatter that fills the kitchen while baking are just as delightful as the cookies themselves.
Perfect Pairings
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies pair wonderfully with various beverages. For a classic combination, serve them with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee. The warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies complement the aromatic notes of the drinks perfectly.
If you prefer something refreshing, try pairing them with a glass of milk or even a festive eggnog. The creamy textures and sweet flavors create a delightful contrast that enhances the overall tasting experience. No matter your choice, these cookies are sure to brighten your holiday gatherings.
Healthier Alternatives
While these cookies are a delightful treat, you can also make them a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Adding seeds like chia or flaxseeds can also boost the nutritional value of the cookies. These simple swaps allow you to enjoy the deliciousness of holiday cookies while still keeping health in mind, making them a more guilt-free indulgence.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
It's best to stick with dried fruits as they hold their shape and sweetness better during baking.
→ How can I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
→ What can I substitute for nuts?
You can omit the nuts or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Enjoy the delightful taste of the holidays with these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Bursting with flavors of dried fruits and nuts, they are perfect for gift-giving or festive gatherings.
Created by: Charity Bowen
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the dried fruits, nuts, and vanilla extract.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g