Description
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
Scale
- 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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in dried fruit, nuts, and candied orange peel. Stir in rum or orange juice, if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Fruit Swap: You can substitute any dried fruit you prefer—cherries, figs, or pineapple make lovely additions.
- Boozy Touch: For a stronger flavor, soak the dried fruit in rum overnight before adding to the dough.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, fruitcake cookies, holiday baking, festive treats