Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat

There’s something magical about the holiday season that makes baking even more special. The warmth of the oven, the aroma of butter and sugar blending together, and the joy of sharing sweet treats with loved ones are all part of what makes Christmas so memorable. Among the wide variety of festive desserts, Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies hold a special place because they combine the nostalgic flavors of fruitcake with the soft, chewy texture of cookies. These cookies are simple to make, delicious to eat, and guaranteed to bring color and cheer to your holiday dessert table.

The beauty of fruitcake cookies is that they give you the essence of fruitcake without the heaviness of the traditional loaf. Many people avoid fruitcake because it feels too dense, but when transformed into a cookie, the candied fruits and nuts create a delightful bite-sized treat that’s both festive and fun. If you’ve been looking for a dessert that feels classic but also fresh and exciting, these cookies are exactly what you need this holiday season.

Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup candied fruit mix
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
5. Fold in the candied fruit mix and nuts until evenly distributed.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
8. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Calories: ~180 per cookie

Why These Fruitcake Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays

One of the biggest reasons people adore these cookies is because they offer the same holiday flavors of fruitcake without the density that often turns people away. The butter provides a rich base, the sugar adds sweetness, and the candied fruit mix introduces pops of color that look beautiful on any Christmas platter. The nuts, meanwhile, give the cookies balance with their earthy crunch.

Unlike traditional fruitcakes, which can take hours to prepare and bake, Christmas fruitcake cookies are quick, easy, and require just a handful of pantry staples. They can be made in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families during the holidays.

Tips for Making the Best Fruitcake Cookies

• Always use room temperature butter to make creaming easier.
• If your candied fruit mix feels too sticky, toss it lightly in flour before adding it to the dough.
• For deeper flavor, toast your nuts in a skillet or oven before folding them into the batter.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer cookies that hold their shape better.
• Be careful not to overbake—cookies should look slightly golden at the edges but soft in the middle.

Creative Variations

If you want to make these cookies your own, there are plenty of ways to get creative:

• Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over cooled cookies.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a snowy, festive effect.
• Mix in warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a spiced holiday flavor.
• Use dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates instead of candied fruit for a healthier twist.
• Soak the fruit in rum or brandy before baking for a boozy holiday treat.

Storage and Freezing

These cookies are just as practical as they are delicious. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you’d like to freeze them, place the cooled cookies in freezer-safe bags or containers and store them for up to three months. You can also freeze the dough in pre-scooped balls, then bake directly from frozen whenever you need a quick batch of festive cookies.

FAQs About Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes! Pecans and walnuts are the most common, but almonds and hazelnuts also work beautifully.

Do I have to use candied fruit?
Not at all. Dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or cherries can be used for a less sweet, more natural flavor.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Do these cookies taste like fruitcake?
They capture the same essence—fruity, nutty, and festive—but they’re much lighter and easier to enjoy in small portions.

Can I give these cookies as gifts?
Absolutely. Pack them in festive tins, jars, or cellophane bags, and they make wonderful homemade Christmas gifts.

Conclusion

Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are more than just a holiday dessert—they’re a joyful tradition waiting to happen. With their colorful fruit mix, nutty crunch, and soft, buttery base, these cookies embody the festive spirit of the season. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday party, family gathering, or cookie exchange.

If you’re searching for a holiday recipe that’s simple yet full of flavor, these cookies are the perfect choice. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a Christmas favorite in your home year after year.

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