Christmas Fruit Cake Cookies

Have you been searching for a festive and delightful Christmas cookie recipe to add warmth and flavor to your holiday gatherings? Look no further! These Christmas Fruit Cake Cookies are a wonderful twist on the traditional fruitcake, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice in each bite. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, these cookies capture the essence of Christmas in a single bite. Whether you’re baking up a batch to share with loved ones or looking for a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of tea by the fire, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as chopped apricots, cranberries, and raisins)
– 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
– 1/2 cup brandy or orange juice

**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
5. In a small bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits and nuts. Pour the brandy or orange juice over the mixture and let it soak for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Gently fold the soaked fruits and nuts into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Store the Christmas Fruit Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

These delightful Christmas Fruit Cake Cookies are the perfect way to infuse your home with the scents and flavors of the holiday season. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or serve them as part of a festive dessert spread, these cookies are bound to be a hit with family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these cozy, flavorful treats that are sure to become a beloved Christmas tradition in your home.