Fruit Christmas Cookies
Festive fruit Christmas cookies combine dates, candied cherries and pineapple with nuts, creating a sweet, chewy treat perfect for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs until frothy.
- Add sugar and vanilla, mixing well.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt, dates, candied cherries, candied pineapple, and pecan halves in order, mixing after each addition.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of batter onto a very lightly greased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the texture of your Fruit Christmas Cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. For a more vibrant flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest. These cookies are also perfect for holiday gifting or as a festive treat alongside Homemade Oatmeal Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Fruit Christmas Cookies are delightful on their own or served with a cup of hot cocoa or a festive tea. For a fun twist, try pairing them with Boiled Custard Sauce for a creamy dip that complements the fruity flavors. They make a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie platter, alongside Polka Dot Cupcakes and other seasonal treats.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can be thawed at room temperature or warmed briefly in the oven before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Christmas Cookies contains roughly 405 calories, with 6g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2232mg per serving (97% 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 be used, it may alter the texture and moisture of the cookies. If using fresh fruit, consider drying it slightly or reducing the amount of eggs and sugar to avoid overly moist cookies.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make these cookies healthier, you can substitute half of the brown sugar with applesauce or mashed bananas. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can add fiber and nutrients.
What should I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter is too thick, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to loosen it up. This will help ensure the cookies spread properly while baking, resulting in a more tender 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).