Go Back
Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

These Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are the perfect bite-sized holiday treat! Packed with candied cherries, raisins, cranberries, and warm spices, they bring all the festive flavors of classic fruitcake in a fun, chewy cookie. Ideal for gifting, cookie swaps, or enjoying with hot cocoa.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 23 cookies
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp dark molasses
  • 1 cup candied red and green cherries chopped
  • 1 cup raisins or golden raisins
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ¼ cup chopped almonds optional
  • 2 tbsp orange zest
  • 2 tbsp brandy or orange juice optional, for soaking fruit

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Chop candied cherries and dried fruit. Soak in brandy or orange juice for 15–20 minutes if desired. Drain.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  5. In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
  6. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and molasses.
  7. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
  8. Fold in cherries, raisins, cranberries, nuts, and orange zest.
  9. Drop spoonfuls of dough (1 tbsp each) onto baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
  10. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden at the edges.
  11. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Notes / Tips:
For deeper flavor, soak dried fruits overnight in rum or brandy.
Add a glaze or drizzle of white chocolate for extra holiday flair.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Substitute orange juice for a kid-friendly version.
Nutrition (per cookie, approx.):
Calories: 120
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Sugars: 11 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 70 mg