Weihnachtliche Früchteplätzchen Christmas Fruit Cookies

Weihnachtliche Früchteplätzchen, also known as Christmas Fruit Cookies, are a delightful holiday treat that captures the cozy essence of a German Christmas. These cookies are bursting with flavors of warm spices, dried fruits, and nuts, making every bite a festive experience. The combination of rich ingredients and traditional baking techniques results in a cookie that is both delicious and visually appealing, perfect for sharing with loved ones or bringing to a holiday gathering.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup chopped mixed dried fruits (such as cranberries, apricots, and raisins)
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. Fold in the chopped dried fruits and nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

6. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a fork or your fingertips to create a rustic shape.

7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a festive finishing touch.

These Weihnachtliche Früchteplätzchen are the perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter or gift box. Their blend of spices, fruits, and nuts will transport you to a cozy Christmas market in Germany with every bite. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for the ultimate holiday indulgence. Bake a batch of these Christmas Fruit Cookies to share the joy and warmth of the season with your friends and family.