Name: Delicious Christmas Fruitcake Cookies for Holiday Joy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened); 1 cup Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Almond Extract; 1 teaspoon Lemon Extract; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 cup Candied Fruit (chopped into 1/4 inch pieces); 1 cup Pecans (chopped)

As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of spices and candied fruit wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to holiday gatherings filled with laughter and cheer. These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies capture all the joy of traditional fruitcake but in a delightful cookie form that is perfect for sharing. With their chewy texture and festive colors, they make for an impressive addition to any cookie exchange or holiday gathering. One of the best parts? The dough can easily be made ahead of time, ensuring you’ll always have freshly baked cookies on hand, no matter the occasion. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe allows you to personalize it with your favorite dried fruits and nuts. Ready to make a batch that will impress your friends and family this season? Let’s dive into how to create these festive treats!

Why are these cookies a holiday favorite?

Festive Flavors: The delightful combination of fruity sweetness and warm spices evokes the very essence of holiday cheer.
Chewy Texture: These cookies boast a soft, chewy bite that both kids and adults love.
Make-Ahead Convenience: With a simple process, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes!
Customizable Recipe: Feel free to experiment with nuts and dried fruits to suit your taste or to use up what you have on hand.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are not only delicious but also beautifully festive, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday gifts.
Pair them with Cookies Cream Peanut or Ferrero Rocher Cookies for a sweet holiday treat spread!

Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Ingredients

• Dive into these holiday treats with a delightful array of ingredients!

For the Dough

Butter – Provides richness and flavor; use softened butter for easier mixing.
Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps them brown for that perfect festive color.
Egg – Binds the cookie mixture and adds moisture for that chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a depth of flavor; feel free to replace with more almond or lemon extract if desired.
Almond Extract – Complements the fruity flavors and adds a lovely nutty aroma.
Lemon Extract – Brightens the cookie flavor profile beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cookie structure; be careful not to overmix for a tender bite.
Salt – Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded cookie.
Baking Soda – Gives leavening so the cookies rise perfectly.

For the Festive Mix-Ins

Candied Fruit – Infuses sweetness and holiday flair; chop into 1/4 inch pieces for even distribution.
Pecans – Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor; consider replacing with your favorite nuts or omitting them for a nut-free cookie.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to create scrumptious Christmas Fruitcake Cookies that will charm your friends and family!

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 warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This initial step is crucial for creating beautifully baked Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies that have the perfect texture and color.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The texture should appear pale and airy, a sign that the sugar is well incorporated into the butter. This step adds essential moisture and richness that enhances the flavor of your cookies.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in one egg, followed by the vanilla, almond, and lemon extracts. Mix these ingredients until everything is well combined, which should take about 1-2 minutes. The addition of these extracts will give your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies a delightful and aromatic flavor that captures the essence of the festive season.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda to evenly distribute the leavening agent and flavor. This dry mixture should appear uniform and well blended, ensuring that your cookies rise evenly. Once ready, gradually mix this dry blend into your wet mixture, taking care not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Festive Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the chopped candied fruit and pecans into the dough until they are evenly distributed throughout. This should create a colorful and textured cookie batter, filled with the lovely sweetness and crunchiness that define your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Be gentle—over mixing can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring each is spaced about 3-4 inches apart. This spacing is important as the cookies will spread while baking. The dough should have a slightly rounded shape; this will help them achieve a fluffy texture once baked.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and look for the edges to turn golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. This visual cue is essential for that chewy texture synonymous with delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the cookies to firm up slightly. Afterward, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, making sure not to overcrowd them to maintain their shape.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. This will keep them fresh while slightly altering their texture.
Freezer: To freeze, seal cookies in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to label them for easy identification when you’re craving a festive treat!
Reheating: Reheat frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their warmth and chewy texture before enjoying.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix it according to the recipe and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’d like, you can also portion out the dough into individual cookie shapes and refrigerate them for easier baking later. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven and pop the cookies onto a baking sheet directly from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies just in time for your festive gatherings, all while keeping the quality just as delicious!

What to Serve with Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

As you delight in the festive charm of these cookies, consider pairing them with complementary dishes that enhance the holiday spirit.

Creamy Eggnog: A classic holiday drink, its rich and spiced flavors perfectly balance the sweetness of the cookies, creating a festive indulgence.
Whipped Cream Topped Hot Chocolate: This warm beverage adds a luscious touch, making each cookie bite even more enjoyable on chilly winter nights.
Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in the cider echo the flavors of the cookies, creating a comforting experience for cold evenings by the fire.

For a savory contrast, try serving them alongside:

Gingerbread Cheese Log: The festive spices of the cheese log complement the cookies’ sweetness while adding a delightful savory note perfect for holiday gatherings.

Completing your meal? Consider ending on a sweet note with:

Sugar Plum Tart: The fruity brightness from the tart will beautifully echo the flavors in the cookies while providing a delightful textural contrast.
Cinnamon Spiced Nuts: These crunchy snacks offer a salty-sweet option, making them a perfect nibble to accompany your holiday treats.

Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Variations

Feel free to sprinkle some creativity into your baking and try out these delightful variations!

Dried Fruit Delight: Substitute candied fruit with chopped dried apricots or figs for a different taste. The rich, chewy texture of these fruits adds an exciting freshness.
Nutty Swap: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a unique flavor profile. Both nuts offer a lovely crunch and pair beautifully with the sweet cookies.
Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an invigorating warm spice twist. Seasonal spices not only boost flavor but also enrich the festive aroma in your kitchen.
Sugar Substitute: Replace sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative to make your cookies a little healthier without sacrificing taste. This can give your cookies a lovely caramel note, perfect for the holidays!
Chocolate Lovers: Toss in a handful of chocolate chips for a rich and decadent addition to your cookies. The melty chocolate creates a delightful contrast to the chewy fruit.
Citrusy Zing: Incorporate some lemon or orange zest into the batter for a bright and refreshing flavor. This touch of citrus beautifully balances the sweetness of the dried fruits.
Heat it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick! This makes for an intriguing contrast with the sweetness, elevating the flavors to new heights.
Nut-Free Version: You can omit nuts entirely for a nut-free cookie that is equally delicious. The chewy texture of the cookie will still shine through alongside the fruitiness.

For more festive cookie ideas, check out these delightful recipes: Neiman Marcus Cookies and Bake Cranberry Cookies. Enjoy customizing your cookies to suit every taste!

Expert Tips for Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Toss with Flour: To prevent clumping, toss candied fruit in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the dough. This will ensure even distribution in your Christmas Fruitcake Cookies.
Chill the Dough: For best results and to prevent spreading, chill your cookie dough for 15 minutes after mixing. This step enhances texture and helps cookies retain their shape.
Watch the Bake Time: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are golden, but the centers are still slightly soft. This ensures a chewy, delightful interior—so key for perfect Christmas Fruitcake Cookies.
Moisture Maintenance: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them moist and soft. The slice of bread is a handy trick for preserving freshness!
Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap out nuts and dried fruits, but keep an eye on overall moisture. Too much wetness can alter the texture of your Christmas Fruitcake Cookies.

Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best candied fruit for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting candied fruit, look for vibrant colors and a fresh aroma. Avoid any fruit with dark spots or a sticky, overly sugary exterior, as these may indicate staleness. For a more homemade feel, consider using a medley of your favorite dried fruits, like apricots or raisins, for a delightful twist.

What’s the best way to store these cookies and how long do they last?
I recommend storing your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 weeks. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing them away to maintain their chewy texture!

Can I freeze these cookies, and how do I do it?
Very! To freeze your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 1 hour. Once they are solid, transfer the cookies to freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring to label them for identification. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

What if my cookie dough seems too sticky?
Don’t worry; this can happen! If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it for about 15 minutes before shaping and baking. This will help firm it up and reduce any stickiness. If it remains an issue, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a better consistency.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Of course! If you’re considering allergies, these cookies contain eggs and nuts, so be cautious for anyone with nut allergies. If you need a nut-free version, you can simply omit the pecans or substitute them with seeds like sunflower seeds. For vegans, you can try using flax eggs or other egg replacers, but the texture might vary slightly. Always read ingredient labels for any processed items like extracts that might contain allergens.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop, shape, and bake as directed—fresh cookies with minimal effort!