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Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to sprinkle some holiday joy into your baking this season, you’ve landed on the right recipe! These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are not just a playful spin on a classic fruitcake but also an inviting treat that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite. Soft, chewy, and loaded with vibrant flavors, these cookies will make your kitchen feel like a festive wonderland, evoking cherished memories and spreading holiday cheer.

Why Make This Recipe

Perfect blend of festive flavors and textures.
Easy to prepare and customize according to preference.
A delightful twist on a traditional Christmas favorite that everyone will love.

These cookies are an excellent way to celebrate the season, whether you’re filling up the cookie jar for family gatherings or gifting them to friends and neighbors.

Simple Way to Prepare Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Creating delightful Christmas Fruitcake Cookies is easier than you might think! Let’s walk through the steps to achieve cheery, aromatic cookies that will impress everyone. It’ll feel like a cozy holiday tradition that can easily become an annual favorite.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the steps, here’s what you’ll need:

2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 cup (160g) mixed candied fruit peel or glacé fruit mix, finely chopped
½ cup (75g) golden raisins
½ cup (75g) dried cranberries
½ cup (50g) chopped pecans or walnuts
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting fruit)
Optional: 2 tablespoons orange juice (for soaking fruit)
For Glaze: 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
For Glaze: 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Directions

Let’s dive straight into the baking process:

Begin by taking your finely chopped candied fruit, golden raisins, and dried cranberries. Place them in a medium bowl.
Optional, but highly recommended for enhanced flavor: soak these dried fruits with 2 tablespoons of orange juice. Pour the juice over the fruit, stir well, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes—overnight if you’re planning ahead. This step plumps up the fruit and adds a delightful burst of flavor.
Meanwhile, while your fruit is soaking, take your chopped pecans or walnuts and toast them. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, and toast for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer them to a plate to cool.
Once your fruit is ready and your nuts have cooled, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the fruit and nut mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the fruit pieces and nuts are lightly coated. This ensures even distribution and prevents sinking during baking.
Now, let’s focus on the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups of sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until thoroughly combined. Set this aside for later.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for 3-5 minutes or until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and pale. Remember to scrape down the sides occasionally.
Next, add the two large eggs, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, fresh orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until just combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture at low speed, mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix the dough; you want to stop mixing as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour.
Carefully fold in your prepared fruit and nut mixture, using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed. It’s essential to handle this step gently to keep your cookies tender.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
Using a medium cookie scoop (1.5-2 tablespoons), drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie, as they will spread out a little during baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. They might appear slightly underbaked in the center, but don’t worry; they will continue to cook from the residual heat.
Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes to firm up a bit.
After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely; this allows air to circulate and prevents soggy bottoms.
Prepare the optional citrus glaze while the cookies cool. In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice. Continue adding orange juice, ¼ teaspoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency.
Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze using a small spoon or fork for a fun zig-zag pattern, or dip one side of each cookie into the glaze for a classic look.
Allow the glaze to set for about 15-30 minutes before serving or storing. For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling tiny pieces of candied fruit or orange zest on the wet glaze.

Keeping Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Fresh

Your deliciously baked Christmas Fruitcake Cookies deserve some care to maintain their tempting qualities. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Ensure they’re well-wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.
If you’d like to enjoy them warm, consider thawing them at room temperature for a few hours or gently warming them in the oven.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous delightful ways:

Serve alongside a steaming cup of spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate for that cozy winter feeling.
Present them as holiday gifts, beautifully wrapped and paired with homemade treats or a thoughtful note.
Use these cookies as a charming dessert at festive gatherings where they can steal the show!
They can also be an integral part of a dessert table filled with various yuletide goodies, perfect for impressing guests during the holiday season.

Tips to Make Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

For optimal flavor, allow the soaked fruit to sit overnight before use.
Make sure to toast your nuts, as this adds depth to the overall cookie taste.
Avoid overmixing the cookie dough to ensure soft, tender cookies instead of tough ones.
Incorporating additional spices or extracts like ginger or almond can elevate the flavor profile.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re feeling adventurous or need to cater to specific tastes, consider these variations:

Feel free to swap out the mixed candied fruit for dried fruits like chopped apricots or figs.
If you love a nutty flavor, substitute almonds for walnuts or use a mix of your favorite nuts.
For a chocolate twist, add some mini chocolate chips or chunks to the dough before baking.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking or bake the cookies ahead and freeze them.

Q: How long will the cookies last?
A: When stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Q: Can I use different dried fruits?
A: Definitely! You can customize the fruit mix to include your favorites, such as prunes, apricots, or even cherries—adjusting moisture levels as needed.

Baking these Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies not only fills your kitchen with festive aromas but also creates a wonderful opportunity to bond with family and friends. They are perfect for sharing, enjoying a quiet moment with a warm drink, or even just indulging on your own. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with joy!