4 Ingredient Fruit Cake Cookies

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Holiday baking just got a whole lot easier with these 4 Ingredient Fruit Cake Cookies. If you love pretty holiday-reminiscent cookies but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this is the perfect recipe for you.

I made these with a boxed cake mix (just like my Lemon and Cranberry Cookies) and added candied fruit. These cookies are packed with flavor and perfect for the holidays. They’re easy, sweet, and have that satisfying crunch on the outside with a soft center that’s just right. You can’t go wrong with these!

I know sometimes fruit cake can be overly sweet with the cake, the fruit and then often the white frosting that’s put on top makes it a sweetness overload. I love these cookies because they’re sweet, but not rot-your-teeth sweet. The cake mix gives them a great texture and allows the flavors from the fruit mix to come through.

Plus they’re so easy to make, it’s kind of laughable. (Pretend you hear a jolly Santa laugh right now).

You know what else is super easy to make and they’d go well on a dessert buffet (or holiday Christmas swap)? My 4 Ingredient Elf Bites and my White Chocolate Toffee Bark. So cute and Christmassy!

Anyway, ready to make them? Let’s go!

Ingredients for Fruit Cake Cookies

• Vanilla cake mix – It’s your shortcut base to a flavorful cookie base. If you want to make it from scratch, a basic sugar cookie recipe will do. If you want a cookie that is reminiscent of actual fruitcake, try using a spice cake mix.
• Egg – It’ll help bind everything together. There’s really no replacement for the egg in this recipe.
• Butter – softened. Butter makes everything better but margarine will work just fine.
• Candied Fruit Mix – This is where the holiday fruitcake vibe kicks in. In my grocery stores, they start selling this in the fall because it’s used in fruitcakes a lot.

How To Make Easy Fruit Cake Cookies

PREP STEP: Heat and line: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

STEP ONE: Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, egg, and softened butter.

STEP TWO: Add the candied fruit: Toss in the candied fruit mix. Stir it in evenly.

STEP THREE: Scoop the dough: With a large cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet. Press down with a fork to flatten.

STEP FOUR: Chill the dough: Chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

STEP FIVE: Bake the cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

STEP SIX: Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.

Check the printable recipe card below for complete ingredient amounts, and exact directions with tips and tricks to make this recipe perfect every time. 

Tips and Variations

• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is a big deal with this recipe. It helps the cookies keep their shape while baking. If you skip this step, your cookies might spread too much. No one wants cookie puddles.
• Use a bigger scoop: If you want larger cookies, use a bigger scoop. Just make sure to increase the baking time by a few minutes to make sure they bake all the way through.
• Add more fruit: If you’re a fan of candied fruit, feel free to add more. You can also mix in chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a little crunch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storing: After baking and cooling, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: Want to save some for later? These cookies freeze really well. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months. To thaw, just let them sit out at room temperature for 20 minutes, and they’re good to go.
• Make ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to chill it before scooping and baking.

Questions You May Have

Can I use other fruits besides candied fruit mix?
Yes! You can swap the candied fruit with dried fruit, like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have a cake mix?
You can make the cookie dough from scratch by using flour, sugar, baking powder, and a bit of vanilla extract. The cake mix is a shortcut, but it’s not a deal-breaker if you don’t have it.

Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes, if you prefer smaller cookies, feel free to scoop out less dough. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly!

Thanks for checking out my Fruit Cake Cookies recipe! I love how easy these are to make, and they always get rave reviews. They’re one of my go-to holiday cookies because they’re simple, sweet, and just a little bit nostalgic.

If you give these a try, let me know how they turn out! Please take a moment to share your tips, tweaks, or funny kitchen story experience in the comments section below, or you can reach out to me directly via email at [email protected].I’d love to hear from you. Happy baking!