Christmas Cake Cookies
Festive and rich, Christmas Cake Cookies combine dried fruits and nuts with warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings and those who love sweet, fruit-filled treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Discard date pits and cut dates into chunks.
- Cut candied cherries into quarters.
- Slice candied pineapple into thin slivers.
- Chop walnuts and pecans coarsely.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (moderately hot).
- Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream butter until soft and creamy.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until smooth.
- Beat in eggs thoroughly.
- Stir in the sifted flour mixture, then fold in the fruit and nuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer texture, consider soaking the dates in warm water for 10-15 minutes before chopping. If you can't find candied fruits, you can substitute with dried fruits like apricots or raisins. For a nut-free option, simply omit the walnuts and pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds. Make sure to sift the flour to avoid clumping, ensuring a smooth batter.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Cake Cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside Eggnog Pudding And Pie Filling for a holiday dessert spread. You can also garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream for an added treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cake Cookies contains roughly 390 calories, with 3g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of candied fruit?
While fresh fruit can add flavor, it has higher moisture content, which could affect the texture of the cookies. If using fresh fruit, be sure to adjust the flour to maintain consistency. Alternatively, you can lightly dry the fresh fruit in the oven to reduce moisture before adding it to the cookie dough.
How can I achieve a more festive look for these cookies?
To make these cookies more visually appealing, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top or adding a sprinkle of colorful holiday sprinkles. You can also shape the dough into festive shapes using cookie cutters before baking, giving them a unique holiday flair.
What can I substitute for butter if I need a dairy-free option?
You can replace butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in equal amounts for a dairy-free version of these cookies. Additionally, using applesauce or mashed bananas can add moisture while reducing the fat content, but this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).