Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For Delightful Holiday Treats

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Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For are the perfect treat to embrace the holiday spirit. These cookies combine the rich flavors of traditional fruitcake into a delightful, bite-sized version that is easy to make and share. With a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, each cookie captures the essence of festive baking without the lengthy process of making a full fruitcake. This recipe is not only quick but also versatile, making it suitable for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts for loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For

There are many reasons to adore these holiday fruitcake cookies. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a great addition to your holiday baking list. Second, the chewy texture combined with crunchy nuts provides a delightful mouthfeel. Third, they are packed with vibrant flavors from candied fruits and warm spices, which truly embody the spirit of the season. Fourth, Christmas fruitcake cookie recipes allow for creative variations, making it easy to customize to your liking. Fifth, they are perfect for sharing on cookie platters or gifting to friends and family. Lastly, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored, ensuring you have a festive treat ready at a moment’s notice. With a total time of just 1 hour and 45 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies with ease.

Ingredients for Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For

Gather these items:

2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tablespoons dark molasses (not blackstrap)
1 tablespoon orange zest
¼ tsp lemon extract
½ tsp almond extract
1 ½ cups (about 250g) candied mixed fruit, chopped if large
½ cup (80g) golden raisins
½ cup (80g) dark raisins
½ cup (60g) dried cranberries or cherries
1 cup (115g) pecans, roughly chopped, toasted
½ cup (55g) walnuts, roughly chopped, toasted
¼ cup (30g) slivered almonds, toasted
¼ cup orange juice or apple juice (optional, for soaking fruit)
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice or apple juice (for optional glaze)

How to Make Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a bowl, combine candied mixed fruit, golden raisins, dark raisins, and dried cranberries. If using, pour ¼ cup orange juice or apple juice over the fruit; stir and soak for 30 minutes to overnight. Chop large fruit pieces. Gently toast pecans, walnuts, and slivered almonds in a dry skillet (5-7 mins) or oven (350°F/175°C for 8-10 mins); cool. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
Step 2: In a stand mixer, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl. Beat in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Add dark molasses, orange zest, lemon extract, and almond extract; beat until just combined. On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture, mixing only until just combined. Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the prepared fruit mixture and toasted nuts until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop 1 ½-tablespoon rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies. Bake one sheet at a time for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: For the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice or apple juice until desired consistency. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or dip tops into the glaze. Let glazed cookies sit on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes until glaze sets. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to a month.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For

Keep these in mind:

Dough can be made ahead and kept in the fridge.
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Adjust spices to your preference.
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of zest from lime or lemon.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For

These cookies are a delightful addition to any festive gathering. Serve them on a cookie platter alongside other festive fruitcake cookie ideas or package them in decorative bags as gifts. They also pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or a warm cup of spiced tea, enhancing the cozy holiday atmosphere.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For

To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them slightly in the oven for a few minutes. This will give them that fresh-baked taste, perfect for your holiday celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For?

The secret lies in using quality ingredients and allowing the dried fruits to soak in juice, enhancing their flavor. This step is crucial for creating the perfect blend of sweetness and moisture in your cookies.

Can I make Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies can be made in advance. Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you accurately measure your ingredients and do not overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired chewy texture.

Variations of Christmas Fruitcake Cookies For You Can Try

For those looking for alternatives, consider making gluten-free Christmas fruitcake cookies using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also experiment with different nuts or dried fruits, such as pistachios or apricots, to create unique flavors. These variations ensure that everyone can enjoy these delightful cookies during the holiday season.

For more tips on baking cookies, check out this guide on sugar cookie ingredients. If you’re interested in other festive treats, you might enjoy Christmas chocolate bark as well. Lastly, for a cozy drink pairing, consider cozy apple kringle to complement your cookies.