Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that captures the spirit of the holidays and the nostalgic flavors of a classic fruitcake, let me introduce you to this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe. These cookies have all the wonderful, fruity, nutty goodness of traditional fruitcake, but in a tender, perfectly sized cookie form that’s so much easier to enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to loved ones, or just indulging in a sweet seasonal snack, these cookies bring warmth, cheer, and a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the butter and sugar create a rich, creamy base; the essences infuse delicate, festive aromas; the flour and leaveners ensure a tender crumb; and, of course, the colorful candied fruits and crunchy pecans bring that classic fruitcake character to life.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy texture and binds the dough.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie tenderness.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence: Lends a warm, comforting aroma that enhances flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond essence: Adds a subtle nutty note reminiscent of holiday treats.
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon essence: Brightens the flavors with a hint of citrus zest.
• 1 1/2 cups plain flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, yielding a tender crumb.
• 1 cup chopped candied pineapple: Adds juicy, sweet bursts and a vibrant color.
• 1 cup chopped candied red cherries: Offers rich sweetness and festive color.
• 1 cup chopped candied green cherries: Complements the red cherries with color contrast and flavor.
• 1 cup roughly chopped pecans: Introduces a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.

How to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cookie Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is key to baking these cookies slowly, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to stay tender. Line your cookie sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper—this simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set the prepared cookie sheet aside while you work on the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This aeration is essential for light cookies. Once you have that perfect creamy base, beat in the egg along with the vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. These extracts are what bring that unmistakable festive bouquet to your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe. Mix well until the batter is smooth and homogenous.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

Whisk together the plain flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mix into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together and the flour is fully incorporated. Over-mixing is the enemy here as it can toughen the final cookie, so be gentle to keep that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Add Candied Fruit and Pecans

Fold in the chopped candied pineapple, red and green cherries, and roughly chopped pecans. Distributing these festive ingredients evenly throughout the dough ensures every bite bursts with colorful fruit and satisfying crunch. It’s what truly makes this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe stand out as a holiday favorite.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a heaping tablespoon, drop dollops of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 3 to 4 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. This gentle baking time helps create that perfectly tender cookie that holds all your festive fruit and nuts.

Step 6: Cool and Store the Cookies

Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooled cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for several days. This way, your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is ready to share whenever the holiday mood strikes.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top of these fruitcake cookies immediately adds a snowy, festive look perfect for December gatherings. You can also finely chop some extra pecans and press a few onto each cookie before baking for an elegant touch. Little touches like these turn your batch into a show-stopping holiday centerpiece.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or rich hot cocoa, making for a perfect cozy moment during chilly winter afternoons. You could also serve alongside a cheese platter with mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese to provide a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, impressing your guests with holiday charm.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking the cookies in a rustic tin lined with festive tissue paper as a gift, or arrange them on a decorative holiday platter adorned with holly sprigs and cinnamon sticks for an inviting centerpiece. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with red or green ribbon makes delightful take-home treats for party guests. Presentation is just as joyful as baking for the holidays!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies, if there are any, keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This ensures they maintain their chewy texture and fresh flavor. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they maintain their quality for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, and you’ll have fresh-tasting cookies whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

If you want to slightly warm your cookies to soften them before serving, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat briefly in a low-temperature oven. This brings out the flavors and makes them feel freshly baked, elevating your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe experience.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts all make excellent substitutes. Feel free to choose whatever nut flavor you prefer or have on hand to keep your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe personalized and delicious.

Do I have to use candied fruit, or can I use dried fruit instead?

Candied fruits are recommended as they offer that signature sweet and colorful holiday look and taste. However, you can substitute with chopped dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots if you prefer a less sweet, more natural version.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of plain flour. Just ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. Your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe will still turn out wonderfully festive and tasty.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these fruitcake cookies are best enjoyed within a week. Their tender texture and fruity flavors stay delightful throughout this time.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?

Definitely! Doubling the ingredients and baking in batches works perfectly. Just make sure to space out the cookies adequately on each sheet to ensure even baking and consistent texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is truly a treasure for the holiday season — blending nostalgic flavors with simple, approachable baking steps that anyone can enjoy. These cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your festive baking lineup, so don’t hesitate to try them out and spread that seasonal joy one bite at a time!

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