Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are the perfect treat to brighten up your holiday cookie tray. Packed with warm spices, candied orange peel, dried fruits, and crunchy nuts, they capture all the nostalgic flavors of a traditional fruitcake without the dense texture. Light, chewy, and full of festive flair, they’re a delightful addition to your holiday baking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, and chopped apricots)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1/2 cup candied orange peel, chopped
• 1/4 cup rum or orange juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in dried fruit, nuts, and candied orange peel. Stir in rum or orange juice, if using.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Chocolate-Dipped Cookies – After cooling, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and let them set on parchment paper. This not only adds a touch of indulgence but also creates a beautiful presentation for holiday cookie platters.
• Tropical Twist – Replace the candied orange peel with dried pineapple and coconut flakes. This gives the cookies a light, tropical vibe while still keeping them festive and flavorful.
• Spiced-Up Version – Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dough. These warming spices deepen the flavor and make the cookies taste even more holiday-inspired.
• Glazed Finish – Whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of orange juice or rum, then drizzle over the cooled cookies. This adds a sweet, glossy finish and enhances the citrusy notes.
• Mini Bite-Size Cookies – Instead of regular spoonfuls, use a teaspoon to scoop smaller cookies. Perfect for holiday parties or as part of a cookie gift tin where variety is key.

Cooking Notes

• Dough Consistency: The dough will be slightly sticky because of the dried fruits, but that’s what helps keep the cookies moist. If it feels too wet, chill it for 15–20 minutes before baking.
• Baking Time: Watch carefully in the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking will dry out the fruit and make the cookies harder rather than chewy.
• Rum vs. Orange Juice: Rum gives these cookies a classic fruitcake depth of flavor, while orange juice keeps them alcohol-free but still bright and flavorful. Either option works beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and bake fresh for the best holiday aroma in your kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Cookie Trays: Pair these cookies with other festive classics like gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and shortbread for a colorful, flavor-packed assortment.
• Gift Giving: Package cooled cookies in holiday tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Add a handwritten recipe card for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Festive Pairings: Serve with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or spiced apple cider for a cozy holiday treat. The warm drinks complement the spiced flavors of the cookies beautifully.
• Dessert Spread: Arrange them on a platter alongside mini cheesecakes, chocolate truffles, or peppermint bark for a complete holiday dessert table.
• After-Dinner Treat: Offer them with coffee or tea after a big holiday meal. The sweetness and spice balance out rich savory dishes perfectly.

Tips

• Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to make sure all cookies are the same size. This helps them bake evenly and look more professional on your holiday platter.
• Fruit Prep: If your dried fruits seem hard or dry, soak them in warm water, orange juice, or rum for 15 minutes before adding them to the dough. This keeps them plump and juicy.
• Cooling Time: Let cookies cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy inside the container.
• Storage Tip: Store in airtight containers with a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. For long-term storage, freeze them and thaw before serving.
• Festive Decoration: For extra holiday cheer, sprinkle the tops of cookies with red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar before baking. This makes them stand out on cookie platters.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Sugar: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
  Yes! You can bake them up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze very well for up to 2 months—just thaw before serving.
• Can I make these alcohol-free?
  Absolutely. Simply replace the rum with orange juice or even apple juice. You’ll still get that festive flavor without the alcohol.
• What nuts work best in this recipe?
  Walnuts and pecans are the most traditional choices, but almonds or hazelnuts work beautifully too. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they mix evenly into the dough.
• Can I make these gluten-free?
  Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavors remain festive and delicious.
• How can I keep the cookies soft?
  Store them with a slice of fresh bread in the container. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them chewy and soft for longer.

Conclusion

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies bring the nostalgic flavors of fruitcake into a soft, chewy, and festive cookie form that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a warm drink, gift them in a holiday tin, or add them to a colorful cookie tray, they’re sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. Simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and brimming with holiday spirit these cookies are a true Christmas delight!

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