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 soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, and apricots); 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans); 1/4 cup candied orange peel

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight in the holiday spirit with these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, bursting with festive flavors and textures.

Created by

Keira Thompson

Last updated on 2025-12-18T15:07:33.249Z

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional fruitcake. With a blend of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, they capture the essence of the holiday season in every bite. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your festive celebrations.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        A delightful mix of dried fruits and nuts
Soft and chewy texture with a hint of spice
Perfect for holiday gifting and sharing

      

The Joy of Holiday Baking

Baking during the holiday season is a cherished tradition that brings families together. The aroma of cookies filling your home creates a warm atmosphere, evoking memories of past celebrations. With these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, you can share the joy of baking with loved ones. These cookies not only taste delightful but also make for a wonderful project to involve children or friends, making the experience even more memorable.

As you mix the ingredients, the vibrant colors of dried fruits and nuts add a festive touch to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike, ensuring that everyone can create a delectable treat that captures the essence of Christmas. Gather around the kitchen, share stories, and enjoy the process of making these cookies together.

Perfect for Gifting

One of the best aspects of the holiday season is the spirit of giving. These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are not only delicious but also beautifully presented, making them ideal for gift-giving. Pack them in decorative tins or festive boxes, and they’ll surely impress family, friends, and coworkers alike. Personalizing your gifts with homemade treats shows thoughtfulness and care that store-bought items simply can’t match.

Additionally, these cookies have a long shelf life, meaning they can be made ahead of time and stored for later gifting. This allows you to manage your holiday preparations without the last-minute rush. Whether you’re making a batch for a holiday party or sending them off as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who receives them.

Customizing Your Cookies

One of the great things about the Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize the dried fruits and nuts according to your preference or what's available in your pantry. Swap out raisins for cranberries or use almonds instead of walnuts for a different flavor profile. This adaptability makes the recipe not only practical but also exciting to experiment with, ensuring that each batch can have its own unique twist.

You can also adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you love a stronger flavor, consider adding more cinnamon or incorporating spices like ginger or allspice. The goal is to create cookies that you and your loved ones will enjoy, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

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

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the dried fruits, nuts, and candied orange peel.

Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container.

Storing Your Cookies

To keep your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture while preventing them from drying out. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

When you're ready to indulge again, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their delightful texture. This makes it easy to enjoy homemade cookies long after the holiday season has passed!

Nutritional Benefits

While holiday treats are often associated with indulgence, these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies offer some nutritional benefits as well. The inclusion of dried fruits and nuts not only adds flavor but also provides essential vitamins and minerals. Dried fruits like apricots and cherries are rich in antioxidants, while nuts contribute healthy fats and protein, making these cookies a more wholesome treat compared to many other festive options.

However, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation, as the sugar content can add up. By incorporating these cookies into a balanced diet, you can savor the holiday spirit without compromising your health goals.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the dried fruits?

Yes, feel free to use any dried fruits you prefer, such as cranberries or raisins.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store them 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 three months. Thaw before serving.

→ What can I use instead of nuts?

If you have nut allergies, you can omit the nuts or substitute them with more dried fruits.