Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Enjoy the festive spirit with these delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Olivia Barrett

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2025-12-19T14:49:55.945Z

This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is a festive treat that combines the rich flavors of traditional fruitcake with the convenience of cookie form. Perfect for holiday gatherings!

Why You Will Love These Cookies

  • Bursting with fruity flavors and crunchy nuts
  • Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
  • A fun twist on traditional fruitcake, perfect for cookie trays

A Festive Treat for Everyone

Christmas is all about sharing joy and creating memorable moments with loved ones, and these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday festivities. Their vibrant colors and delightful flavors make them an eye-catching treat for cookie trays or dessert tables. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or attending a holiday party, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike.

What sets these cookies apart is their unique combination of dried fruits and crunchy nuts. With every bite, you’ll experience a burst of fruity goodness complemented by the rich texture of nuts. This delightful mix not only enhances the flavor but also provides a pleasing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy cookie base.

Easy to Make and Customize

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these festive cookies in no time. The method is quick and requires minimal equipment, making it a stress-free option during the busy holiday season.

Furthermore, these cookies are highly customizable. If you have specific dried fruits or nuts you prefer, feel free to substitute them in this recipe. You can experiment with chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even spices like nutmeg and ginger to create your own unique variation. This flexibility allows you to cater to your family’s tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

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

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Mix Everything Together

Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in the mixed dried fruit and nuts.

Shape the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Serve

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

Enjoy your festive cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa!

Storing Your Cookies

Proper storage is key to keeping your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies fresh and delicious. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, maintaining their soft and chewy texture. If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to revive their fresh-baked taste. This way, you can savor the holiday spirit anytime, even after the festivities have ended.

Pairing Suggestions

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm spiced cider to enhance the festive flavors. The richness of the cookies complements the warmth of these drinks, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

For a more adult pairing, try serving these cookies with a glass of dessert wine or a rich coffee blend. The sweetness of the cookies will balance beautifully with the complex flavors of the drinks, making for an indulgent after-dinner treat. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these cookies will certainly add a touch of joy to your holiday celebrations.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?

It's best to stick with dried fruit for this recipe as fresh fruit can alter the texture.

→ How should I store these cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies after baking. Just ensure they are completely cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container.

→ What nuts work best for this recipe?

Walnuts and pecans are great choices, but you can use any nuts you prefer.

Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Enjoy the festive spirit with these delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Olivia Barrett

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  3. 1 large egg
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  6. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  8. 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
  9. 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  10. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.

Step 03

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in the mixed dried fruit and nuts.

Step 06

Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 08

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 2g