10 Dried Fruit Christmas Cookie Recipes To Try

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by baking some delicious Christmas cookies? Dried fruits are a great addition to Christmas cookies, adding natural sweetness, chewiness, and a burst of flavor. In this article, we'll explore 10 dried fruit Christmas cookie recipes that you'll love.

Dried fruits are a staple in many Christmas cookie recipes, and for good reason. They're a great way to add sweetness without using refined sugars, and they provide a nice texture contrast to the crunch of nuts or the softness of cookies. Plus, they're packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a relatively healthy addition to your holiday treats.

From classic combinations like cranberries and orange to more unique pairings like apricots and ginger, we've got you covered. Here are 10 dried fruit Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to become new favorites.

The Benefits of Using Dried Fruits in Christmas Cookies

Before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about the benefits of using dried fruits in Christmas cookies. Here are just a few reasons why dried fruits are a great addition to your holiday baking:

• Natural sweetness: Dried fruits are sweet, but they're also packed with fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthier alternative to refined sugars.
• Texture contrast: Dried fruits add a nice texture contrast to cookies, providing a chewy, fruity bite.
• Flavor boost: Dried fruits are concentrated, so they pack a lot of flavor into a small amount.
• Versatility: Dried fruits come in a wide range of flavors and textures, from sweet and chewy to tangy and crunchy.

Recipe 1: Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a classic combination of flavors, with the sweetness of white chocolate, the tanginess of orange, and the tartness of cranberries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by orange zest and vanilla extract.
5. Stir in flour mixture until just combined, followed by white chocolate chips and cranberries.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Recipe 2: Apricot Ginger Molasses Cookies

These cookies are a unique and delicious combination of flavors, with the sweetness of apricots, the spiciness of ginger, and the richness of molasses.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by ginger and vanilla extract.
5. Stir in flour mixture until just combined, followed by molasses and apricots.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Recipe 3: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a classic combination of flavors, with the sweetness of cherries and the richness of chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Stir in flour mixture until just combined, followed by chocolate chips and cherries.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Recipe 4: Raisin Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are a hearty and delicious combination of flavors, with the sweetness of raisins, the crunch of pecans, and the chewiness of oatmeal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Stir in flour mixture until just combined, followed by oats, pecans, and raisins.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Recipe 5: Cranberry White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

These cookies are a delicious and unique combination of flavors, with the sweetness of white chocolate, the tanginess of cranberries, and the crunch of macadamia nuts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Stir in flour mixture until just combined, followed by white chocolate chips, cranberries, and macadamia nuts.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Recipe 6: Apricot Ginger Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are a delicious and unique combination of flavors, with the sweetness of apricots, the spiciness of ginger, and the richness of shortbread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by ginger and vanilla extract.
5. Stir in flour mixture until just combined, followed by apricots.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Recipe 7: Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are a delicious and unique combination of flavors, with the sweetness of cherries, the crunch of almonds, and the richness of chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by almond extract and vanilla extract.
5. Stir in flour mixture until just combined, followed by cherries and almonds.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Recipe 8: Raisin Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a delicious and unique combination of flavors, with the sweetness of raisins, the crunch of pecans, and the richness of chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Stir in flour mixture until just combined, followed by chocolate chips, pecans, and raisins.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Recipe 9: Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are a delicious and unique combination of flavors, with the sweetness of cranberries, the tanginess of orange, and the chewiness of oatmeal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by orange zest and vanilla extract.
5. Stir in flour mixture until just combined, followed by oats and cranberries.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Recipe 10: Cherry Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are a delicious and unique combination of flavors, with the sweetness of cherries, the richness of chocolate, and the butteriness of shortbread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Stir in flour mixture until just combined, followed by cherries.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Gallery of 10 Dried Fruit Christmas Cookie Recipes To Try