Christmas Fruitcake Cookies with candied fruits

Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies bring all the festive flavors of traditional fruitcake into perfectly sized, bite-friendly treats that everyone actually wants to eat. These colorful cookies feature candied red and green cherries mixed with golden pineapple pieces, creating naturally festive treats that look as beautiful as they taste.

I still remember the first time I made these cookies for our annual holiday cookie exchange. My grandmother’s heavy fruitcake always sat untouched at family gatherings, but I loved those warm spices and jewel-toned fruits. That’s when I decided to transform those classic fruitcake flavors into something more approachable. These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies became an instant hit – they have all the nostalgia of traditional fruitcake but in a format that’s actually enjoyable to eat. The combination of vanilla, almond, and lemon essences creates that signature fruitcake taste, while the candied fruits and pecans add wonderful texture and visual appeal.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Holiday Cookies

I always use high-quality candied fruits for the best flavor and appearance – the bright colors make these cookies naturally festive. Pro tip: coating the chopped fruits with flour prevents them from sinking during baking.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/2 teaspoon almond essence
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon essence
• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup chopped candied pineapple (cut into 1/4 inch pieces)
• 1 cup chopped candied red cherries (raisin-sized pieces)
• 1 cup chopped candied green cherries (raisin-sized pieces)
• 1 cup roughly chopped pecans

Simple Steps to Holiday Cookie Success

I recommend having all ingredients at room temperature for the best mixing results – this ensures your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies have the perfect texture.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a cookie sheet with silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This creates the perfect cookie base.

Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon extract. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth mixture. The triple essence combination gives these cookies their signature fruitcake flavor.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing once flour is added to prevent tough cookies.

Step 5: Toss the chopped candied fruits and pecans with a tablespoon of flour, then gently fold into the dough. Ensure fruits are evenly distributed throughout for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Using heaping tablespoons, drop dough onto prepared cookie sheet, spacing them 3-4 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cookies are just golden brown around the edges. Don’t overbake – they’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after removal.

Step 8: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. The flavors actually improve after a day or two.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Festive Cookies

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages and make stunning presentations.

Hot cocoa or coffee: The rich, fruity flavors complement warm beverages perfectly, making them ideal for cozy winter evenings.

Vanilla ice cream: Serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Holiday cheese board: Include these cookies on dessert boards with aged cheeses and nuts for sophisticated holiday entertaining.

Gift boxes: Package in decorative tins with tissue paper – they’re sturdy enough to ship and make beautiful homemade gifts.

Smart Storage for Maximum Freshness

Store your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, keep them refrigerated in a sealed container for up to three weeks. The flavors actually develop and improve over time, making them perfect for advance holiday preparation.

Pro tip: Store with a slice of bread to maintain moisture, and these cookies freeze beautifully for up to three months when wrapped properly with parchment paper between layers.

Build the Ultimate Christmas Dessert Collection

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies offer all the beloved flavors of traditional fruitcake in a more approachable, cookie format that pairs beautifully with modern holiday treats. The warm spices and dried fruits in these cookies create an excellent foundation for a diverse dessert spread that bridges classic holiday traditions with contemporary favorites. When combined with complementary treats, these cookies help create a well-rounded selection that satisfies both traditionalists and those seeking innovative flavors.

Create the perfect holiday dessert variety by pairing these spiced cookies with the elegant Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles for sophisticated candy options, or add the stunning White Chocolate Christmas Bark for visual appeal and textural contrast. Include the rich, indulgent Maltesers Rocky Road recipe for chocolate lovers who prefer no-bake options, and surprise guests with the creative Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles that transform familiar flavors into elegant party treats. This combination ensures your holiday celebrations offer both nostalgic comfort and exciting new flavors that create lasting memories.

Common Questions About Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

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