Cakes

Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Christmas is a time for joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats! One of the most beloved holiday classics is the Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. These delightful cookies capture the essence of traditional fruitcake but in a portable, bite-sized form that everyone can enjoy. With a wonderful blend of spices, mixed dried fruits, and optional chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or wrapping up as gifts. Let’s dive into how you can create these delightful morsels for your holiday celebrations.

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 150
Protein: 2g per serving
Carbohydrates: 22g per serving
Fat: 7g per serving
Fiber: 1g per serving
Sugar: 10g per serving
Sodium: 100mg per serving

Why Make This Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Christmas Fruitcake Cookies bring holiday cheer in every bite! They combine the rich, warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar with the sweetness of dried fruits, creating a festive experience that resonates with tradition. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply as a treat at home, these cookies are versatile and delicious. Plus, they are easy to make, making them an excellent option for bakers of all skill levels.

How to Make Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Follow this simple method to create your own Christmas Fruitcake Cookies that will impress friends and family alike!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
1 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans), chopped
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and become perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mixing the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. The mixture should be light and fluffy, which helps create a soft cookie texture.
Step 3: Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to the cookie dough, ensuring a rich taste.
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies soft.
Step 5: Adding Fruits, Nuts, and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips if using. This step infuses the dough with texture and delightful bursts of sweetness.
Step 6: Shaping the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
Step 7: Baking

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, which can result in dry cookies.
Step 8: Cooling

Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the cookies set perfectly.

How to Serve Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot cocoa. They also make excellent additions to a dessert platter alongside other holiday treats.

How to Store Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Use room temperature butter for better creaming with sugars.
Experiment with different types of dried fruits based on your preference; apricots, figs, or dates work wonderfully too.
If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to omit them or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

Delicious Variations

Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Add a pinch of orange zest to brighten the flavor profile.
Try a white chocolate version by replacing dark chocolate chips with white chocolate, which pairs beautifully with dried fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can use coconut oil or vegan butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are well-packaged in an airtight container, and they can survive a shipping journey just fine.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to soften at room temperature before baking.
What is the best way to soften butter quickly?
Cut the cold butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave it for 10 seconds at a time until softened.

Conclusion

Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the cozy flavors of the holiday season. They are not only easy to make but are sure to bring joy to anyone who bites into them. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and enjoy the wonderful experience of baking these festive cookies. Happy baking and happy holidays!