Hey there, cookie enthusiasts!
The holiday season is upon us, and you know what that means!
It’s time to whip up some festive treats! Today, I’m excited to share my delicious recipe for Christmas cookies loaded with candy fruits.
These cookies are colorful, chewy, and just bursting with holiday cheer.
They’re perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
Let’s spread some festive joy and get baking!
| Preparation Time | 30-60 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-12 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-72 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
For the dry mix:
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
For the add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well)
- 1 cup candied fruit
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (use semi-sweet for a balanced flavor)
For the wet mix:
- 1 large egg (at room temperature for better emulsion)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp softened butter (Kerrygold unsalted butter is great for baking)
- 1/2 tbsp rum essence
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix-Ins
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Once well-combined, stir in the candied fruit, chocolate chips, and nuts.
This ensures that the add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
Add the egg, orange juice, and rum extract, continuing to beat for another 2 minutes until well integrated and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
If desired, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to make it easier to handle and to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Prepare and Chill Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto parchment paper-lined cookie sheets.
Cover the sheets with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Remove the cookie sheets from the refrigerator and place them in the preheated oven.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are slightly golden around the edges.
This ensures they are cooked through but still soft.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheets for approximately 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, enjoy your flavorful, freshly-baked cookies!
