Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Name: Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, cranberries); 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe combines the festive flavors of traditional fruitcake into bite-sized delights, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-19T15:55:53.506Z

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and convenience. Rich in dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, they bring the joy of the holidays right into your home. Ideal for cookie exchanges or as a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends.

        Why You Will Love These Cookies
        A delightful twist on traditional fruitcake
Packed with colorful dried fruits and nuts
Easy to make and perfect for holiday gifting

      

The Joy of Holiday Baking

Baking during the holiday season is a cherished tradition in many households. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations. This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe captures the essence of holiday baking, allowing you to share the joy of seasonal flavors in a delightful new form.

These cookies not only taste amazing but also serve as a wonderful canvas for creativity. You can customize them with your favorite dried fruits and nuts, making each batch uniquely yours. Whether you’re baking for a festive party or preparing gifts for friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and compliments.

Perfect for Gifting

One of the best parts of the holiday season is the spirit of giving, and what better gift than a batch of homemade cookies? These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies make for a thoughtful and delicious present. Their colorful appearance and rich flavors are bound to impress anyone who receives them.

You can package them beautifully in festive tins or boxes, adding a personal touch with handwritten notes or decorative ribbons. Your loved ones will appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness behind such a delightful gift, and you’ll feel the joy of spreading holiday cheer with every cookie you share.

Healthier Holiday Treats

This recipe not only offers the festive flavors of traditional fruitcake but also incorporates healthier ingredients. By using whole dried fruits and nuts, you introduce natural sweetness and essential nutrients into your treats. Dried fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while nuts provide healthy fats and protein.

These cookies can be a part of a balanced holiday diet, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. Enjoying a few of these festive delights can satisfy your sweet tooth while providing energy to keep up with all the holiday activities. Share them with family and friends, knowing they’re enjoying a treat that’s both tasty and nourishing.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, cranberries)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Mix all ingredients well for a delicious cookie dough.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.

Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts.

Bake the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy your festive cookies with a cup of hot cocoa!

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To ensure your cookies bake evenly, make sure to use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter. This helps create a smooth batter that will rise beautifully in the oven. Additionally, be mindful of your baking time; every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cookies as they approach the 12-minute mark. They should be golden brown around the edges while remaining slightly soft in the center.

When mixing the ingredients, avoid over-mixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients. This can lead to tough cookies. Instead, stir until just combined, allowing the natural textures of the fruits and nuts to shine through. This technique will result in soft, chewy cookies that are bursting with flavor.

Storing Your Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can last up to a week at room temperature, making them a perfect treat for holiday snacking. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them slightly in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that freshly baked taste. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of the season long after the festivities have ended.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is a wonderful staple, feel free to experiment with variations to suit your taste. For a tropical twist, consider adding dried pineapple or mango. You can also incorporate spices like ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. If you prefer a chocolatey treat, add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the dough.

For those who enjoy a bit of zest, a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing note. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different ingredients can make your holiday baking even more enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?

Fresh fruit may make the cookies too moist. It's best to stick with dried fruits.

→ How do I store the cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Thaw before baking.

→ What nuts work best in this recipe?

Walnuts and pecans work wonderfully, but you can use any nuts you prefer.