Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies the Bitesized Holiday Treat
Recipe Introduction
Craving Christmas Cheer?
Fancy something a bit different this festive season? Ever wondered if fruitcake could be... better ? Honestly, these Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies are a game changer.
They're the perfect festive treat! These cookies are absolutely bursting with flavour and have a satisfying crunch.
Fruitcake, Reinvented.
Fruitcake, love it or hate it, has been around for ages. Seriously, since Roman times! Our Fruitcake Cookies Recipe gives it a modern twist.
This recipe is medium difficulty, but totally doable for a beginner. You'll need about 1 hour 45 minutes, and it makes around 24-30 cookies.
Perfect for sharing or, you know, keeping them all to yourself.
Benefits Beyond the Bite
One of the great things about these Christmas Fruit Cookies is all the dried fruit. They give you a nice little energy boost.
These Crisp Christmas Cookies are also perfect for gifting or adding to a festive dessert platter. But what really makes these Easy Fruitcake Cookies special? They're unexpected, delicious, and way moreish.
You really get a good energy boost for the day!
Ready to get baking? Next, we need to get to the ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
Let's talk ingredients. Honestly, with "Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies," the quality really shines through. So, try to source the best you can find!.
It's all about creating the perfect Holiday Cookie Recipes , right? I remember one time, I used cheap dried fruit and oh my gosh , the cookies were so disappointing.
Never again!
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific
- Soaked Fruit:
- 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, currants, candied peel), finely chopped. Get plump, juicy fruit for the best Fruitcake Cookies .
- 1/4 cup (60ml) dark rum or brandy (optional). Apple juice or strong tea works too.
- Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (227g/8oz) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it's actually soft, not melted.
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Seasoning Notes: The Secret's in the Spice
These Spiced Christmas Cookies get their magic from a few key spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg are the backbone, but don't skip the cloves! That little touch makes all the difference.
Also, feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth. If you don't have cloves, allspice can work in a pinch.
These Easy Fruitcake Cookies are super versatile, just make sure to balance the flavors!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets for this recipe. These are the essentials:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
If you don't have parchment paper, lightly grease your baking sheets. A rolling pin and cookie cutters will also come in handy when shaping your Christmas Fruit Cookies into the perfect shapes.
Mastering the Art of Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
Fancy a festive treat? Let's bake some Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies ! These little bites are packed with flavour. They're crisp , spiced , and oh-so-good.
Forget boring fruitcake, we're making Christmas fruit cookies that everyone will love.
Prep Like a Pro
First, mise en place . It's French for "everything in its place". Chop 1 cup of mixed dried fruit finely . Use 1/4 cup of rum , or apple juice .
Trust me, organisation saves time. Soaking the fruit is key. It plumps them up. Set a timer for at least 30 minutes.
Baking Bliss: step-by-step
- Cream 1 cup softened butter , 3/4 cup granulated sugar , and 1/4 cup brown sugar . Beat until fluffy. This usually takes 3- 5 minutes .
- Mix in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla .
- Whisk 2 1/4 cups flour , 1 teaspoon baking powder , and spices. Use 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon , 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg , and 1/4 teaspoon cloves . Add 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Fold in the soaked fruit (drained if needed) and 1/2 cup chopped nuts .
- Divide the dough. Flatten into disks. Wrap in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour (or overnight). This stops spreading.
- Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut shapes. Bake for 12- 15 minutes . The edges should be golden.
Pro Baker Secrets
Chilling the dough is non-negotiable. Avoid overmixing for tender cookies. Rotating baking sheets ensures even cooking. The ultimate fruitcake cookies recipe hack? Add a pinch of sea salt on top right after baking.
This enhances all the flavours.
Easy fruitcake cookies should be stored in an airtight container. They will stay crisp for days. Why not try adding a little citrus zest to make it your own.
These crisp Christmas cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday baking ideas!
Recipe Notes for Your Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
Right, so you're all set to bake these Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies ? Ace! Here's a few extra bits and bobs to make sure yours turn out as perfect as mine.
Honestly, baking Fruit Cookies Christmas style should be easy peasy.
Plating Perfection and Perfect Pairings
Fancy making your cookies look extra special? You know, impress the rellies (relatives)? Dust them with a little icing sugar.
It makes them look like they've had a light snowfall. For presentation, stack them prettily on a cake stand or arrange them in a festive tin.
They look dead cute!
As for drinks, a cup of strong tea or a glass of milk goes down a treat. Or, if you're feeling posh, a small glass of sherry.
Christmas is the perfect time for some Holiday Cookie Recipes .
Storing Like a Pro
Refrigeration: These Fruitcake Cookies will happily keep in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge. Freezing: Want to get ahead? No worries.
Freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they're in a freezer safe container or bag. Reheating: Not really needed.
They're best enjoyed at room temperature. But if you fancy a warm cookie, give it a quick zap in the microwave ( only a few seconds! ).
Mix It Up a Bit!
Dietary Swaps: Need to cater for allergies? No sweat! Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend. Use dairy-free butter for vegans. Sorted!
Seasonal Twists: Autumn baking can be made with some Spiced Christmas Cookies , try adding dried cranberries and orange zest during winter.
If you’re baking in summer, try using dried apricots and mango for a summer twist.
Nutrition Know How
Alright, a quick heads-up. Each cookie will set you back roughly 120-150 calories. They're packed with dried fruit, which has fiber and some vitamins.
These Dried Fruit Cookies are great. Just remember, moderation is key (easier said than done, I know!). But treat yourself, it's Christmas! Don't go eating the whole batch.
Right then, go on, get baking! These Easy Fruitcake Cookies are the perfect Christmas Baking Ideas . Enjoy every bite, and have a cracking Christmas! This Fruitcake Cookies Recipe is a winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies spreading too much when baking? They look like puddles!
Ah, the dreaded cookie puddle! The most common culprit is dough that's too warm. Make sure you chill the dough for at least an hour (longer is better!). Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and avoid greasing your baking sheets parchment paper is your best friend here.
Consider adding one to two tablespoons more flour in the dough if the issue continues.
Can I make these Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies ahead of time? My Christmas schedule is bonkers!
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, tightly wrapped in plastic. Or, for longer storage, freeze the dough for up to a month. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
Baked cookies also freeze well for about 2 months; just make sure they are properly wrapped in an airtight container so they don't develop freezer burn.
What can I substitute for the rum or brandy in the soaked fruit? I'm baking these for the whole family (including the little 'uns!).
No worries, you can easily swap out the rum or brandy! Apple juice, strong brewed tea (cooled, of course), or even just plain water works perfectly fine. The soaking process is more about hydrating the fruit and plumping it up, so don't feel pressured to use alcohol. If using tea, Earl Grey gives a festive flavour!
How do I get that perfect crunchy texture for these Christmas Fruitcake Cookies? Mine are always a bit soft.
The crunch comes from a few factors! Don't overmix the dough, chilling it well, and baking them until the edges are lightly golden brown. Allowing the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack is also crucial. As they cool, they'll crisp up beautifully.
You can also bake them for a minute or two longer for an extra crisp bite, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.
I'm not a fan of walnuts or pecans. Can I use other nuts in these Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies, or even leave them out entirely?
Definitely! Feel free to use any nuts you enjoy, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts (though that's a bit of a splurge!). You can also substitute the nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you want a nut-free version.
Or omit them entirely; the cookies will still be delicious with all the fruit and spices. Just be sure to chop your substitutes to roughly the same size.
Are there any fun variations I can try with these Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies?
Oh, you bet! Get creative. Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dough for extra warmth. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a festive touch. Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.
Or experiment with different cookie cutter shapes for extra Christmas cheer!
Crunchy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies The Bitesize
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 135 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
