Irresistible Christmas Fruitcake Cookies for Festive Joy

Name: Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, apricots); 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Published: October 31, 2025

by Amelia

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are easy to whip up, making them perfect for any last-minute holiday baking
Packed with flavors that dance on your palate, they look as delightful as they taste, making them a showstopper on any dessert table
Versatile enough to be enjoyed fresh or stored for later, they are simply irresistible

Baking these cookies has always brought smiles to my family’s faces as we gather around the table during the holidays.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies: delicious peppermint hot chocolate cookies.

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your cookie dough; sifting it helps create a light texture.
Dried Fruits: A mix of raisins, cherries, and apricots brings both sweetness and color.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch; toast them lightly for extra flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer; fresh spices work best.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich caramel note to enhance the cookie’s sweetness.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; it should be softened but not melted.
Eggs: Two large eggs provide structure; make sure they are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent makes your cookies rise beautifully while keeping them soft inside.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and rounds out all those lovely flavors perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended. The scent of spices will instantly transport you to holiday magic.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns pale yellow—this is where the magic begins!

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until combined. Enjoy the sweet aroma wafting up from your mixing bowl as you beat away.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork it! We want those cookies tender!

Add Fruits and Nuts: Fold in chopped dried fruits and nuts using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Your dough should now look like a festive treasure trove ready for baking.

Scoop onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. They spread slightly while baking—give them some room!

Bake Until Golden Brown: Place trays in preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Let these Christmas Fruitcake Cookies cool on wire racks before indulging—a tough wait but oh-so-worth-it! For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.

Now that you have this festive recipe in your hands, don’t forget to share your delicious creations with family or friends who might need holiday cheer—or just save them all for yourself! Happy baking!

You Must Know

Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic holiday fruitcake, blending sweet fruits and spices into a cookie
Their vibrant colors and festive aroma will brighten your kitchen and make them perfect for gifting or sharing

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your dry ingredients separately, then cream the butter and sugars before combining everything. This ensures even distribution of flavors, resulting in perfectly baked cookies.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping out traditional dried fruits for your favorites like cranberries or apricots. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of rum for an extra festive flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Christmas Fruitcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper.

Chef's Helpful Tips

When baking these cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for better creaming
Avoid over-mixing once you add flour to keep them tender
Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps with shaping and prevents spreading during baking

Creating these Christmas Fruitcake Cookies reminds me of my childhood holidays when my grandma would bake endless treats. traditional thumbprint cookies The smell of spices filled our home, wrapping us in warmth and joy as we waited impatiently to taste her creations.