Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Celebrate the festive season with these delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Perfectly spiced and studded with dried fruits, they're a joyful treat for everyone!

Callie Morgan

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2025-12-18T16:00:41.399Z

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies bring the traditional flavors of fruitcake into a convenient cookie form. With a mix of dried fruits and warm spices, they're perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening at home.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • Festive flavors that evoke holiday cheer
  • Chewy texture with a delightful crunch
  • Easy to make and perfect for sharing

The Joy of Baking During the Holidays

Baking is one of the most cherished traditions during the holiday season, bringing families together in the kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Christmas. These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide a perfect opportunity to bond with loved ones as you mix, scoop, and bake together.

As you prepare these cookies, you’ll find joy in the simple pleasures of measuring ingredients, sharing stories, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re baking solo or with family, the process of making these cookies becomes a delightful part of your holiday celebrations.

Perfect for Gifting and Sharing

One of the best things about these cookies is how perfect they are for gifting. Pack them in festive tins or boxes and share them with friends, neighbors, and coworkers. A homemade treat like these fruitcake cookies shows you care and adds a personal touch to your holiday greetings. Plus, they hold up well in transit, making them an ideal choice for holiday care packages.

These cookies also make for a great addition to any holiday cookie platter. Their colorful mix of dried fruits and nuts makes them visually appealing, and their unique flavor profile will stand out among more traditional holiday treats. Share them at parties or family gatherings, and watch as they quickly become a favorite!

Storage and Freshness Tips

To keep your Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but you might find they disappear much faster! If you want to enjoy them beyond the holiday season, consider freezing them. Simply place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes. This will refresh their delightful chewy texture and bring back the cozy holiday vibes, no matter the time of year.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, and apricots)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine Everything

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the dried fruits and nuts.

Scoop and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Christmas cookies with a glass of milk or cup of tea!

Healthier Alternatives

If you're looking to make these cookies a bit healthier, consider substituting some ingredients. For instance, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. Additionally, you might replace half of the brown sugar with applesauce to reduce the sugar content while maintaining moisture.

For those with nut allergies, you can simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, which will add a nice crunch and nutrition without compromising taste.

Customization Options

One of the best features of these cookies is their versatility. Feel free to customize the mix of dried fruits according to your taste. Dried cranberries, figs, or dates can be excellent substitutes, adding their unique flavors to the cookies. You can also experiment with different spices such as ginger or allspice for an extra kick of warmth.

If you prefer a chocolatey twist, consider folding in some chocolate chips or chunks along with the dried fruits and nuts. This will create a delicious combination that will delight any chocolate lover during the holiday season.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?

Fresh fruits may add too much moisture; it's best to stick with dried fruits for this recipe.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture as an egg substitute in this recipe.

Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies Recipe

Celebrate the festive season with these delightful Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. Perfectly spiced and studded with dried fruits, they're a joyful treat for everyone!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Callie Morgan

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  3. 2 large eggs
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  6. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  7. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  8. 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  9. 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, and apricots)
  10. 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  11. 1/4 teaspoon salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the dried fruits and nuts.

Step 05

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Step 06

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 2g