If you’ve ever wandered through a holiday market and caught the intoxicating aroma of spices and fruits wafting through the air, you know that Christmas is not just a season; it’s an experience. Now, imagine capturing that festive sensation in a cookie! Yes, that’s right—Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are here to change your holiday game forever. festive peppermint swirl cookies Bursting with flavors of candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices, these cookies are like tiny edible gifts that keep on giving.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
- How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I baked these delightful treats. My kitchen transformed into Santa’s workshop as flour dust floated through the air like snowflakes. The family gathered around, eagerly awaiting the sweet aroma to fill every corner of our home. These cookies have become a beloved tradition in our household, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or sneaking into lunchboxes when no one is looking. For more inspiration, check out this orange custard squares recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy holidays
- Their festive flavors will impress everyone at your gathering
- You’ll love how colorful and inviting they look on any dessert platter
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed all year round!
Baking these cookies has always brought smiles to my family’s faces—especially when the kids tried to sneak some dough before baking!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookie dough; sift it for a lighter texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
- Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deeper flavor; use light or dark depending on your preference.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise for a delightful chewy texture; fresh baking soda works best. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors in your cookies; don’t skip it!
- Ground Cinnamon: Offers that classic holiday spice aroma; freshly ground is best if you can manage it.
- Dried Fruits (raisins, cherries): Add bursts of sweetness and color; soak them in warm water beforehand for extra moisture.
- Nuts (walnuts or pecans): Introduce a crunchy texture; toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
- Candied Ginger or Citrus Peel: For an unexpected zing; chop finely for even distribution throughout the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A must-have for warmth and depth of flavor; pure extract is always preferred.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness; bring them to room temperature for better mixing.
- Butter (softened): Creates a rich base for your cookies; don’t forget to cream it well with sugars!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup later on.
Create Your Dry Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and any other spices you’re using until combined. cozy cranberry brie bread bowl This ensures even distribution of ingredients.
Cream Your Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, cream together softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds airiness to your cookies.
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should appear smooth and slightly glossy.
Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture: Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep those cookies tender!
Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in all dried fruits and nuts until evenly dispersed. You want each bite packed with fruity goodness!
Scoop and Bake!: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dollops onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
Once they’re out of the oven, let those beauties cool on racks before indulging. Just try not to eat them all at once—they might just disappear faster than you can say “fruitcake!”
These Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday festivities! Their bright colors will dazzle anyone who lays eyes on them while their delightful flavors will leave everyone craving more. delicious pumpkin pie cookies Enjoy making memories as sweet as the treats themselves!
You Must Know
- Christmas Fruitcake Cookies blend the festive flavors of traditional fruitcake into delightful, chewy bites
- They’re perfect for sharing and can be a fun addition to your holiday cookie platter
- With a mix of dried fruits and nuts, these cookies will evoke seasonal cheer!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in eggs and dry ingredients. Incorporate fruits and nuts last for even distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts or use different dried fruits like apricots or cherries to create your unique flavor profile. Add a splash of rum for extra holiday spirit!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Fruitcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. classic raspberry linzer cookies For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To truly elevate your Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, chop your dried fruits evenly to ensure consistent bites
- Letting the dough chill enhances flavor development, making each bite even more enjoyable
- Always preheat your oven for even baking results!
Sharing these cookies with friends brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and the smell of spices during the holidays.
FAQ
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Fresh fruit contains too much moisture and may ruin the cookie texture.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center when done.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free flour blend.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Experience the festive spirit of Christmas with these delightful Christmas Fruitcake Cookies! Packed with vibrant dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and warm spices, each cookie offers a burst of holiday flavor. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these cookies will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup candied ginger or citrus peel
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup softened butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are soft. Allow to cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg






