Name: Christmas Fruitcake Cookies: A Festive Twist on Tradition
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt (reduce if using salted butter); 1 cup candied fruit (1/4-inch pieces); 1 cup pecans (chopped); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure); 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 teaspoon lemon extract (or fresh lemon zest)

There’s something undeniably magical about the aromas wafting through the kitchen during the holiday season. As I whip up a batch of Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wrapped in the warmth of dried fruits and spices. This recipe not only transforms traditional fruitcake into delightful, easy-to-eat cookies, but it also turns the labor of holiday baking into a joyful experience. With a simple prep process and the added bonus of making them ahead of time, these festive treats are sure to impress at any gathering and actually improve in flavor over a few days. Who can resist the soft, tender bite paired with the delightful crunch of pecans? Ready to add a touch of old-fashioned cheer to your festive spread?

Why You’ll Love These Fruitcake Cookies

Irresistible holiday flavor: The delightful blend of dried fruits and warm spices brings holiday cheer to each bite.

Easily adaptable: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits, making these cookies truly your own.

Make-ahead magic: Whip up a batch in advance! Dough can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, letting you enjoy stress-free holiday baking.

Perfect for sharing: Whether at a festive gathering or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are sure to please everyone.

Time-saving treat: Just 20-25 minutes in the oven means delicious cookies without lengthy preparations, letting you focus on what matters most this season.

Make sure to check out other sweet treats like our Christmas Sugar Cookies or Marshmallow Swirl Cookies, perfect for adding variety to your holiday dessert table!

Christmas Fruitcake Cookie Ingredients

• Dive into the delightful blend of flavors with these Christmas Fruitcake Cookies.

For the Dough

Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use unsalted for better salt control.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and affects texture; coconut sugar is a great substitute for a caramel taste.
Egg – Binds ingredients and provides moisture; no substitutes recommended for best structure.
All-Purpose Flour – Creates the cookie base; opt for gluten-free flour if needed, adjusting other ingredients as necessary.
Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and achieve a light texture.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; reduce if using salted butter.

For the Festive Mix-ins

Candied Fruit (1/4-inch pieces) – Imparts sweetness and vibrant color; swap for dried fruits or chocolate chips for different flavors.
Pecans – Deliver crunch and nutty flavor; substitute with walnuts or omit for a nut-free version.
Vanilla Extract – Infuses warm flavor; pure extract is best, without substitutions.
Almond Extract – Enhances depth of flavor; can be replaced with additional vanilla if necessary.
Lemon Extract – Brightens the cookie’s flavor; fresh lemon zest makes a lovely substitute.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will ensure your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies have a perfect base and easy release.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, changing to a pale yellow color. This step adds air, helping your cookies achieve a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, add 1 large egg alongside the vanilla, almond, and lemon extracts to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, making sure all ingredients are well incorporated. The combination of extracts enhances the flavor of your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, creating a warm, festive aroma.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Take care not to overmix; you want your cookie dough to remain tender for those delicious bites full of flavor.

Step 5: Fold in Festive Mix-Ins
Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped candied fruit and 1 cup of chopped pecans using a spatula. Ensure the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving each cookie delightful bursts of sweetness and crunch. The vibrant colors of the candied fruit will make your cookies visually appealing as well.

Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a tablespoon, scoop heaping amounts of dough and drop them onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3-4 inches apart. This spacing is crucial, as the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies will spread while baking, so ensure each dollop has room to grow into a perfectly shaped cookie.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown while the centers may look slightly soft. This visual cue is essential; the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in a delightful texture.

Step 8: Cool and Store
Once baked, allow your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting period lets them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container to keep those delightful flavors fresh and moist for up to two weeks.

Expert Tips for Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Prevent Clumping: Coat candied fruit with a tablespoon of flour before adding it to the dough. This simple step helps prevent the fruits from sticking together.
Avoid Dry Cookies: Be sure to remove cookies from the oven when the edges are golden brown. Overbaking can lead to dry Christmas Fruitcake Cookies.
Mix with Care: After adding dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can toughen the dough, affecting the cookie’s tender texture.
Stay Fresh: Store your cookies with a slice of bread in an airtight container to maintain moisture and keep them delicious for up to two weeks.
Chill the Dough: If you notice the dough spreads too much while baking, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before baking. This will help your cookies retain their shape during baking.

Storage Tips for Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: To extend their life, place the cookies in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks without losing taste or quality.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes to refresh the texture.

What to Serve with Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

As the warm scents of nutty pecans and dried fruits fill your kitchen, pairing these festive cookies will enhance your holiday experience.

Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy texture and sweetness of hot cocoa perfectly complement the flavors of fruit and spice in the cookies.
Eggnog: This classic holiday drink adds a festive flair, with its creamy richness balancing the chewy texture of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream lends a refreshing, cool contrast to the soft cookies, elevating your dessert.
Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea, featuring notes of cinnamon and clove, enhances the cookies’ warmth while providing a cozy drink option.
Cheese Platter: A cheese platter with sharp cheddar and creamy brie adds savory notes to balance the sweetness of your fruitcake cookies.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with citrus and berries enhances freshness while offering a bright, vibrant contrast to the rich cookies.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies adds a decadent touch, inviting sweetness to every bite.
Gingerbread Cookies: For cookie lovers, serving alongside gingerbread cookies creates a delightful showcase of holiday flavors.
Nuts: A bowl of spiced mixed nuts adds crunch and a salty bite, beautifully balancing the chewy sweetness of the fruitcake cookies.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 7 days before baking, which allows you to enjoy stress-free cookies in the days leading up to your celebration. To prepare ahead, simply follow the first five steps of the recipe, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, scoop out the chilled dough and drop it onto a prepared baking sheet, baking them directly from the fridge for that same delightful taste. By making your cookies in advance, you’ll have a delicious, festive treat that’s just as flavorful as if made fresh!

Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Variations

Feel free to adapt these Christmas Fruitcake Cookies to your taste, creating your festive twist and sensory delights!

Dried Fruit Swap: Use a mix of cranberries or apricots instead of candied fruit for a slightly tart flavor. This twist adds a refreshing zing that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness!
Nutty Alternatives: Exchange pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. You could also omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version, making these cookies accessible to all!
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, ensuring everyone can indulge in these festive treats without worry. Just keep an eye on the texture as gluten-free flours can behave differently.
Holiday Spice Boost: Add a teaspoon of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for extra warmth. This holiday spice twist will envelop your kitchen in nostalgic aromas while elevating the festive spirit!
Chocolatey Surprise: Mix in half a cup of chocolate chips for a decadent contrast to the fruity elements. Sweet chocolate paired with dried fruits could create an irresistible experience in every bite.
Citrus Zing: Swap lemon extract for fresh lemon zest to brighten the flavors even more. A bit of zest can elevate the overall taste and give a lovely fragrance to your baking!
Maple Syrup Sweetness: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a unique flavor and healthier alternative. It adds earthy notes while maintaining that sweet satisfaction!
Chili Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick that balances the sweetness and warms the palate. It’s a fun way to introduce a little adventure to your holiday baking!

Explore variations that suit your family’s palate, and consider pairing these cookies with other festive treats like our Christmas Sugar Cookies or Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. Each twist will surely bring joy to your holiday table!

Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of candied fruit should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! You can use a mix of candied cherries, pineapple, or citrus peel. For a twist, consider substituting with dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a softer bite. If you use dried fruits, just ensure they are chopped into suitable pieces to blend well into the cookie dough.

How should I store the Christmas Fruitcake Cookies?
For up to 1 week, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To make them last longer, place them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. If you’re planning to keep them even longer, freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
You can indeed! Wrap the prepared dough in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then portion and bake as directed. This method is perfect for spontaneous baking and ensures fresh cookies whenever you crave them!

What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky to handle?
Very often, sticky dough can be managed by chilling it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This will help firm it up a bit, making it easier to scoop and shape. Using a scoop rather than your hands can also help prevent the dough from sticking too much to your fingers.

Are these cookies safe for pets or those with nut allergies?
Good question! Since the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies contain pecans, they are not safe for anyone with nut allergies. To make them pet-friendly, it’s best to keep them away from your furry friends altogether. You can bake a batch without nuts specifically for them using pet-safe ingredients, focusing on flavors they love!