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A pile of golden brown Christmas fruitcake cookies with colorful candied fruit and pecans on a white plate.

Easy Christmas Fruitcake Cookies

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 36 servings
Calories: 145
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large eg g
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon or brandy (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups all -purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon sal t
  • 1 cup candied mixed fruit, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red and green candied cherries, halved
  • 1 cup pecans , chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and bourbon or brandy until well combined.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing just until the flour disappears.
  6. Fold in the chopped candied mixed fruit, candied cherries, and chopped pecans by hand using a spatula.
  7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced approximately 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden brown.
  9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.