As I savored a cozy afternoon indoors, the scent of spices wafted through the kitchen, instantly transporting me back to festive gatherings of my childhood. That’s the magic of these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies—they capture the essence of traditional fruitcake in charming bite-sized pieces. Perfectly soft and tender, these cookies are not just delightful on the palate; they’re incredibly versatile too! Whether you’re sharing them at holiday parties or shipping them to loved ones afar, they travel beautifully and maintain their festive glow. Plus, with endless options for flavor twists, you can tailor them to suit every taste. Ready to make your holidays even sweeter? Let’s dive into this joyous recipe!
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Nostalgic Flavors: Each bite takes you back to cozy holiday memories, blending traditional fruitcake spices with a modern twist.
Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite nuts or dried fruits, ensuring a personal touch for every batch.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies ship beautifully, making them a thoughtful treat for friends and family, just like our Cheesy Christmas Lasagna is perfect for festive gatherings.
Effortless Baking: With simple steps, you’ll have cookies ready in no time! Bake them one weekend, and they’ll maintain their soft, tender texture for weeks.
Holiday Showstopper: Bring them to cookie exchanges or holiday parties, and watch how they quickly disappear!
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Ingredients
• The perfect blend of flavors for your festive baking!
For the Batter
- Butter – For richness and structure; use unsalted for better control of salt content.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with texture; granulated is preferred.
- Egg – Acts as a binder, ensuring moisture and stability within the cookies.
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses warmth and depth of flavor; can substitute with vanilla essence if needed.
- Almond Extract – Enhances flavor complexity and adds a subtle nuttiness; can be omitted if desired.
- Lemon Extract – Brightens taste; important for balancing sweetness; fresh lemon zest can be a great substitute.
- Flour – Provides essential structure; all-purpose flour is recommended.
- Salt – Enhances flavors, ensuring a perfect balance of sweetness.
- Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise; crucial for achieving the right texture.
For the Festive Mix-ins
- Candied Fruit – The main ingredient adding festive joy; chop into ¼ inch pieces for even distribution, or use any mix of dried fruits if necessary.
- Pecans – Adds crunch and flavor; can substitute with walnuts or omit for a nut-free version.
Get ready to create the most delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies that will have everyone begging for the recipe!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies bake evenly and come off the tray easily.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process is crucial for creating a tender texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Once the butter and sugar are fluffy, add in one egg along with the vanilla, almond, and lemon extracts. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The extracts add delightful layers of flavor to your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. This method keeps your cookies tender and prevents overmixing, which can lead to dense cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Festive Ingredients
Carefully fold in the chopped candied fruit and pecans into your dough using a spatula. Ensure even distribution of these festive mix-ins, as they bring delightful bursts of flavor and texture to the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, making each bite special.
Step 6: Form the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 3-4 inches apart. This spacing allows room for spreading while baking while maintaining their beautiful shape.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Slide the cookie sheets into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, aiming for golden edges and slightly soft centers. This ensures a tender, chewy texture characteristic of your Christmas fruitcake cookies.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely while enjoying the festive aroma that fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to taste these delightful treats.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent dryness. Additionally, you can also chop the candied fruit and pecans ahead of time and store them separately for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow your usual steps, scoop, and bake. If frozen, the formed cookies can last up to three months—just bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for delicious results! Prepare ahead and enjoy fantastic cookies with just minimal effort!
What to Serve with Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
As you savor each delectable bite of these soft, festive cookies, consider complementing your holiday spread with these delightful pairings.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: Perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies; cozy and indulgent for those chilly winter nights.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The savory and buttery flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful medley.
- Spiced Eggnog: A classic holiday drink that enhances the festive vibes and pairs well with the warm spices in the cookies.
- Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing; the acidity from the citrus fruits cuts through the sweetness, lightening the palate after each cookie.
- Cheesecake Bars: A creamy, rich dessert that offers a luscious contrast to the tender texture and flavors of the cookies.
- Lemonade: The refreshing tartness of lemonade balances the cookie’s sweetness, making every bite feel vibrant and festive.
- Buttery Shortbread: Their crumbly texture and subtle flavor create a wonderful contrast and elevate the holiday experience when enjoyed together.
- Peppermint Tea: A calming and aromatic drink that adds a touch of warmth to your holiday table, enhancing the cheerful ambiance.
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with these delightful twists!
- Nut-Free: Omit pecans and substitute with additional dried fruit or seeds for crunch.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy, spiced kick.
- Citrus Zing: Replace lemon extract with freshly zest grated from oranges or limes—brightens every bite!
- Dried Fruits: Swap out candied fruit for a mix of your favorite dried fruits like apricots or cranberries.
- Chocolate-Lover’s Delight: Fold in chocolate chips for a sweet touch, creating a wonderful contrast to the fruity flavors.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy.
- Personal Touch: Try adding a splash of bourbon or rum for those who appreciate a little festive spirit in their cookies.
- Gift-Worthy Decor: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over cooled cookies for a beautiful finish—perfect for giving to loved ones just like our Orange Clove Cookies!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect version of Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies!
Expert Tips for Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
- Prevent Clumping: Coat chopped candied fruit with a tablespoon of flour before adding it to the batter. This helps distribute the fruit evenly in your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Avoid overbaking; cookies should have soft centers for a tender texture. Aim for golden edges while keeping the centers slightly underbaked.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels warm, chill it for 15 minutes before baking. This step helps reduce spreading and ensures nicely shaped cookies.
- Store for Freshness: To keep cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. They can last up to two weeks at room temperature!
- Mix It Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Swap out nuts or dried fruits to create personalized versions of your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies that suit your tastes.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Place a slice of bread inside to help retain moisture.
Fridge: Keep the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks if you’d like them to stay fresh longer. Just ensure they’re sealed tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. They can last for up to 3 months while retaining their delightful flavor.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Perfect for savoring your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies anytime!
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting candied fruit?
When choosing candied fruit, look for pieces that are vibrant in color without any dark spots or signs of drying out. Fresh-looking dried fruits contribute significant flavor to your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. If you prefer a different texture, feel free to opt for other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries, chopped into similar sizes.
How should I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. To maintain their moisture, place a slice of bread in the container; it helps keep them soft and delicious. If you want to extend their freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, ensuring they are tightly sealed.
Can I freeze the cookies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
What should I do if my cookie dough feels too soft?
If your dough seems too soft to scoop, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps firm up the dough and reduces spreading during baking, giving you those perfectly shaped Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Additionally, make sure your butter isn’t overly soft; it should be at room temperature, so it cream with sugar effectively.
Are these cookies safe for pets or individuals with allergies?
When baking Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, it’s important to keep in mind that they contain ingredients such as nuts and egg, which may pose allergy risks for some. If you plan to share with friends or family, consider labeling your cookies if they include any common allergens. As for pets, be cautious as ingredients like chocolate or certain nuts can be harmful to them. Always consult with your veterinarian regarding safe treats for pets.
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies for a Festive Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add one egg along with vanilla, almond, and lemon extracts and blend until smooth.
- Whisk all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chopped candied fruit and pecans using a spatula.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared cookie sheets, spacing them 3-4 inches apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden edges are formed and centers are slightly soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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