Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional fruitcake, perfect for the holiday season. These cookies bring the festive flavors of dried fruits and warming spices into a soft, chewy treat that’s simple to make. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy with your family, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the sweet smell of Christmas and bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 100mg
Why Make This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures. With their chewy fruit and nut bits, they provide heartiness without being overwhelming. Unlike heavy fruitcakes, these cookies allow you to enjoy the festive flavors in a more casual format. They are also easy to prepare, making them great for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, they make wonderful gifts when wrapped up in festive packaging!
How to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving perfectly baked cookies with the right texture.
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Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a light and fluffy texture.
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Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
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Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
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Step 5: Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Stir in the mixed dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The colorful fruits and crunchy nuts add a festive touch.
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Step 6: Drop onto Baking Sheets
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
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Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Your kitchen will smell like a festive wonderland as they bake!
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Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once done, let the cookies cool on wire racks. This allows them to firm up and makes them easier to handle later on.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
Serve your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies with a warm cup of tea or holiday-themed beverages like eggnog or mulled wine. They make fantastic additions to cookie platters for holiday parties or functions. You can also package them in decorative tins for thoughtful gifts!
How to Store Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for a longer period, they can be frozen. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and they’ll last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
- Dried Fruit Selection: Use a mix that you enjoy, such as raisins, cranberries, or dried apricots, for a personal touch.
- Nut Alternatives: If you or someone you know has nut allergies, feel free to leave them out or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Spice It Up: If you want a more intense flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice.
- Cookie Texture: For soft cookies, slightly underbake them; for crisper edges, bake just a couple of minutes longer.
- Taste Test: Always do a quick taste test with the batter before baking to adjust sweetness or spices to your preference.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Coconut Flour Substitute: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour with coconut flour for a tropical flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for anyone avoiding gluten.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
Fresh fruits will not work well in this recipe, as they contain too much moisture. Stick with dried fruits for the best texture and flavor. -
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should look set and be lightly browned while the center can look slightly undercooked; they will firm up as they cool. -
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, feel free to double the quantities. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and space in your oven! -
What type of nuts work best?
Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even almonds work wonderfully in these cookies. Just be mindful of any nut allergies in your group. -
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheet.
Conclusion
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are not just a holiday treat; they are a celebration of flavors that bring warmth and joy during the festive season. Their delightful combination of spices, fruits, and optional nuts makes them a perfect addition to any holiday spread. We encourage you to gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family into the kitchen, and spread the cheer with these charming cookies. Enjoy the baking, the moments shared, and the sweet aromas wafting through your home!
