Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is one of those cherished recipes that brings back warm memories of family gatherings and festive cheer. The combination of candied fruits and crunchy pecans makes these cookies not only delicious but also a joy to bake. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of tea by the fire.

These cookies are incredibly versatile too! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, they fit right in. Plus, who doesn’t love a cookie that adds a festive touch to any occasion? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will surely become your new holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies baking in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love these fruity treats, making them perfect for everyone.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store for later—these cookies stay fresh and flavorful!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of candied fruits and nuts creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for gifting: Package them up as homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These are simple, wholesome components that you probably already have in your pantry. With just a few items, you’ll be on your way to baking these festive cookies.

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 Goodness

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add some spice: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra holiday flavor kick.
• Mix in different nuts: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer something different.
• Try dried fruits: Use dried cranberries or raisins instead of candied fruits for a chewy texture.
• Chocolate lovers rejoice: Stir in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite!

How to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together your softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mix, giving your cookies a lovely texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Essences

Next, beat in the egg along with the vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. Each essence adds its unique flavor profile, making these cookies truly festive!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Fold in the Fruits and Nuts

Now it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped candied pineapple, red cherries, green cherries, and pecans. This step ensures every cookie has that delightful burst of fruity goodness.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Your kitchen will smell heavenly while they bake!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later munching!

With this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe at your fingertips, you’re all set to spread some holiday cheer! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a joyful experience, and with these tips, you’ll create delicious fruitcake cookies that will impress everyone!

• Use room temperature butter: This allows the butter to cream well with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie texture.

• Chop your fruit evenly: Ensuring that your candied fruits and nuts are chopped to a similar size helps them distribute evenly throughout the dough, giving each bite balanced flavor.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined helps maintain a tender cookie. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies due to gluten development.

• Chill the dough if necessary: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chilling it for about 30 minutes can make it easier to scoop and shape, resulting in neater cookies.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add a handful of dried cranberries or some dark chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor. It’s your cookie, so make it unique!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Presenting your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies in a delightful way can make them even more special during the festive season. Try serving them on a festive platter or in decorative tins for gift-giving!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish and gives a hint of sweetness.
• Fresh mint leaves: A couple of mint leaves can add a vibrant color contrast and a refreshing aroma.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm mug of rich hot cocoa complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly and is sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

• Spiced tea: The aromatic spices in chai or spiced tea pair wonderfully with the fruity flavors of these cookies, making for a cozy combination.

• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad brings brightness to your dessert table and balances out the richness of the cookies.

• Cheese platter: Include some mild cheeses like brie or gouda; their creamy textures provide an interesting contrast to the crunchiness of the cookies.

Enjoy indulging in these delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! They are sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors whenever you need a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider placing parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid.
• Transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To reheat, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until soft.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may help you get the most out of your baking experience!

Can I use different nuts in this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely flavor, feel free to substitute them with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.

How do I ensure my Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies turn out chewy?

To achieve that delightful chewy texture, avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute plain flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum included or add it according to package instructions.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will remain fresh for up to one week at room temperature. For longer storage, follow our freezing tips above!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! They bring a wonderful burst of festive flavors that are bound to become a holiday favorite. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring them all by yourself, I wish you delightful moments filled with warmth and sweetness. Happy baking!