Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Bursting with festive flavors and textures, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite.
This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe combines all your favorite holiday flavors into a delightful cookie. With a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, these cookies are not only tasty but also bring the essence of Christmas right into your kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Delicious blend of fruits and nuts for a festive crunch
- Easy to make and perfect for holiday baking
- Great for gifting or sharing with family and friends
The Joy of Holiday Baking
Baking during the holiday season is a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together. The aroma of cookies baking in the oven fills your home with warmth and nostalgia. With these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, you can create not only delicious treats but also memorable moments with loved ones. Gather your family in the kitchen, share stories, and enjoy the process of mixing, baking, and decorating these delightful cookies.
These cookies are perfect for making with children, as they can help with mixing and dropping the dough onto the baking sheet. The vibrant colors of the dried fruits and the crunch of the nuts make these cookies visually appealing, ensuring that everyone will want to grab one. Plus, they are easy to transport, making them ideal for holiday parties and gatherings.
Perfect for Gifting
During the holiday season, gifting homemade treats is a heartfelt gesture that shows you care. These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies can be beautifully packaged in decorative tins or boxes, making them a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or coworkers. Add a personal touch with handwritten tags or festive ribbons to elevate your gift-giving.
Not only do these cookies taste fantastic, but they also look stunning on a holiday cookie platter. Whether you are attending a festive gathering or hosting your own, these cookies will undoubtedly impress your guests. Share the joy of the season by giving the gift of homemade cookies that everyone will love.
Storage and Shelf Life
After you've baked your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, you may wonder how to store them to keep them fresh. Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. When stored properly, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature, making them a great option for holiday treats that can be enjoyed throughout the season.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. This way, you can savor the festive flavors of these cookies long after the holiday season has passed.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the dried fruits and nuts.
Shape and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies turn out perfectly, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help you achieve the best results, especially when it comes to flour and sugar. Additionally, be mindful of the baking time; every oven varies slightly, so keep an eye on your cookies to prevent over-baking.
If you want to customize the recipe, feel free to substitute the dried fruits and nuts with your favorites. Dried apricots, figs, or even chocolate chips can add a unique twist. Experimenting with different flavors can create a signature cookie that your friends and family will rave about.
Healthier Alternatives
While these cookies are a delightful treat, you may want to explore healthier alternatives without compromising flavor. Consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar content slightly or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a lighter option.
Incorporating oats into the cookie dough can enhance the texture and provide additional health benefits. Oats are a great source of nutrients and can help keep you feeling fuller longer. By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy festive flavors while still keeping health in mind.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of dried fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite dried fruits such as apricots, figs, or dates.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well.
→ What can I substitute for butter?
You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Bursting with festive flavors and textures, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite.
Created by: Phoebe Turner
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the dried fruits and nuts.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g