Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
Festive and flavorful, these Christmas Fruitcake Cookies combine dried fruits, nuts, and spices for a rich treat perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
- 1 c. butter, softened ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 (8 oz.) pkg. dates, chopped and pitted
- 3 c. chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. candied pineapple, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. candied red cherries, cut into squares ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Combine all dry ingredients and add to the cream mixture, beating well.
- Stir in chopped dates, chopped pecans, chopped candied pineapple, and chopped candied red cherries.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be excellent substitutes. Feel free to add other dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added flavor. To enhance the spice profile, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover holiday fruits.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For a delightful dessert spread, serve alongside Nanny'S Banana Pudding or a light salad like Pistachio And Coconut Salad. Consider drizzling a simple icing over the top for added sweetness or serving them with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag, for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven at 350°F until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Fruitcake Cookies contains roughly 2361 calories, with 27g protein, 244g carbohydrates, and 172g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (403% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and iron (115% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookies can be made a few days in advance and stored properly. They actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. If you plan to freeze them, bake and cool them completely before wrapping and storing.
What can I substitute for the candied pineapple?
If you don't have candied pineapple, you can use dried pineapple or even chopped fresh pineapple, although fresh will add more moisture. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if using fresh fruit to prevent the cookies from becoming too soggy.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, these cookies make a wonderful gift during the holiday season! Package them in decorative tins or boxes and include a festive note. Their rich flavors and chewy texture are sure to delight anyone who receives them.
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).