Last Updated on October 21, 2025 by recipeinspire
Table of Contents
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe: 7 Steps to Festive Treats!
Craving festive treats? Follow this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe to create delightful goodies in 7 simple steps. Did you know that nearly 60% of holiday bakers consider cookies the most important part of their Christmas celebrations? These delicious cookies are an excellent alternative to the traditional fruitcake, making them an ideal festive treat for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking to spread some holiday joy!
Ingredients List

For your delightful batch of cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as apricots, raisins, and cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Substitutions: You can substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option or replace white sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
Timing
Preparing these cookies is a breeze! Here’s how it breaks down:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes, which is about 20% less time than the average cookie recipe out there.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Use an electric mixer for best results!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined. This step adds the perfect depth of flavor to your cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
Step 5: Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. This step allows all the flavors to meld, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them fresh, or store them for festive gatherings!
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
This Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile!
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want to make your cookies a bit healthier? Here are some alternatives:
- Flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber.
- Sugar: Replace half the sugar with applesauce for a natural sweetener.
- Fruits: Add fresh or frozen blueberries for a twist, or use unsweetened dried fruits to cut down on sugars.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Drizzle with a simple icing made of powdered sugar mixed with milk for a festive touch.
- Serve alongside a warm cup of eggnog or spiced tea.
- Use them as part of a delightful gift basket filled with homemade goodies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing: This can lead to dense cookies. Mix until just combined!
- Incorrect Measurements: Always use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Skipping Cooling Time: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting them cool properly ensures the right texture.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, layered with parchment paper, for up to three months.
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive flavors! 🍒✨ Packed with candied fruit, nuts, and a hint of warm spice, they bring the traditional holiday fruitcake into bite-sized cookie perfection. Ideal for cookie swaps or gifting!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed candied fruit (red and green cherries, pineapple, etc.)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: 1 tablespoon orange zest or 1 tablespoon rum for flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in candied fruit, nuts, and optional orange zest or rum.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these festive treats warm or at room temperature!
Notes
🎅 These cookies stay soft for days and taste even better the next day! Store in an airtight tin or gift box for a nostalgic homemade holiday surprise. You can drizzle them with white chocolate for an elegant touch!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Christmas Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: fruitcake cookies, christmas cookies, easy holiday baking, candied fruit cookies, festive treats
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you can create these delectable holiday treats that capture the essence of Christmas celebrations. So grab your ingredients, and let’s spread the holiday cheer! Don’t forget to share your creations or leave feedback after trying this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe!
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and adjust as needed.
Q: What if I don’t like nuts?
A: You can simply omit the nuts or replace them with more dried fruits.
Q: How can I add more spices?
A: Consider adding a pinch of clove or ginger for an extra holiday kick!
Try this Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe for a joyful baker’s delight this holiday season! Happy baking!







