Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to share this holiday season, let me introduce you to my Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe. There’s something so heartwarming about the blend of flavors in these cookies—sweet candied fruits and crunchy pecans meld together in every bite. They’re not just for Christmas gatherings; they make any occasion feel special, whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive get-together with friends.

These cookies have become a staple in my home. They remind me of joyful times spent baking with loved ones while sipping on hot cocoa. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up even on busy weeknights when you need a little comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies in the oven before you know it!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the chewy texture and fruity flavors of these cookies, making them perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you want a treat.
• Festive flair: With their colorful appearance and cheerful flavors, these cookies are sure to impress your guests during the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! You’ll find that this recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Gather these up, and let’s get started!

For the Cookie Dough

• 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! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Change the nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Add spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring an extra warmth to your cookies.
• Use dried fruits: Try adding raisins or dried cranberries if you prefer a chewy texture.
• Experiment with essences: If you’re out of any specific essence, don’t hesitate to use what you have—like coconut or orange!

How to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they are light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cookies a delightful texture. Use an electric mixer if you have one; it makes this process super easy!

Step 2: Add Egg and Essences

Next, beat in the egg along with vanilla, almond, and lemon essences. Each essence adds its unique flavor profile that brings these cookies to life! Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the plain flour, salt, and baking soda. This ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to your wet mixture. Gradually add this flour mixture to your butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped candied pineapple, red cherries, green cherries, and pecans. Make sure each cookie will be packed with fruity goodness! The colors will brighten up your dough beautifully.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen—trust me; it’s heavenly!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let your cookies cool on a wire rack. This step lets them firm up just right! Enjoy them warm with tea or coffee—or save some for later (if they last that long!).

I hope this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe becomes a cherished addition to your holiday traditions! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful cookies is a joy, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure they come out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and an egg at room temperature helps in creating a smooth batter that incorporates air better, resulting in fluffy cookies.

• Chop your fruits evenly: Ensuring that the candied fruits are chopped into similar sizes allows for even distribution throughout the dough, making each bite just as delicious as the last.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing until just combined helps keep your cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Chill the dough: If you’re short on time, chilling isn’t necessary, but letting the dough sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes can help enhance the flavors and improve the texture.

• Store properly: Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. They also make great gifts if you’re looking to spread some holiday cheer!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

These festive cookies not only taste amazing but also look charming when presented well. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a beautiful snowy effect that’s perfect for Christmas.
• Chopped nuts on top: A few additional pecans sprinkled on top before baking can add both texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: The rich, chocolatey flavor of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with these sweet cookies, making for a cozy dessert experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the fruity flavors of the cookies and adds a delightful contrast in temperature.
• Fresh fruit platter: Serve alongside fresh slices of orange or apple for a refreshing touch that balances out the sweetness.
• Spiced tea: A warm cup of spiced tea can enhance the festive spirit while harmonizing with the flavors of your fruitcake cookies.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies will be a hit at any gathering! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the holiday season, making your festive gatherings even sweeter. Here’s how to store and preserve these delightful cookies:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy the cookies within 1 week for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container.
• Seal tightly and label with the date.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Enjoy them fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I make these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe without nuts?

Yes! You can omit the pecans or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

How should I store my Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Can I add other dried fruits to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra flavor and variety.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This will make it easier to handle.

Are these cookies suitable for holiday gifting?

Definitely! These festive cookies make perfect gifts when packed in pretty boxes or tins. Your friends and family will love them!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe brings warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations! These cookies are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to share love and cheer with family and friends. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats, and may your holidays be filled with sweet moments!