Celebrate the holidays with these delightful Christmas Rocks—chewy, nutty, and bursting with festive flavor! These traditional fruit and nut cookies are perfect for cozy winter gatherings, holiday baking trays, or as a special treat with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Packed with vibrant dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and a hint of spice, each bite is a celebration of the season.

A Nutty, Fruity Holiday Treat

Christmas Rocks are not your average cookie—they’re a delightful mix of textures and flavors that perfectly capture the festive spirit. The natural sweetness of dried fruits like cranberries and cherries balances beautifully with the hearty crunch of almonds, walnuts, and other nuts. These cookies are chewy, satisfying, and naturally colorful, making them a stunning addition to your holiday dessert table.

Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones or treating yourself, Christmas Rocks are simple to make and require no fancy techniques—just wholesome ingredients and a little bit of love. Let’s bring the warmth and cheer of the season to your kitchen with this timeless recipe!

Ingredients for Christmas Rocks

To make these festive fruit and nut cookies, you’ll need a blend of vibrant dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and a few basic baking staples. Each ingredient contributes to the unique texture and flavor of these holiday treats.

Dried Fruits – A mix of dried cranberries, cherries, and raisins adds natural sweetness and festive color. Feel free to include dates or apricots for variety.
Nuts – A combination of chopped almonds, walnuts, and pecans provides a hearty crunch and nutty flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – The base of the cookie dough to hold all the ingredients together.
Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Eggs – Acts as a binder to bring the mixture together.
Butter – Softened butter adds moisture and a rich, buttery flavor to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
Ground Cinnamon – A hint of spice to tie in the festive flavors.
Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light and chewy texture.
Pinch of Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Christmas Rocks

These cookies come together easily with just a few simple steps. Here’s how to bake these festive delights:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the dried fruits and nuts into small, even pieces to ensure they mix well into the dough. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Gently fold the chopped dried fruits and nuts into the dough. Be sure to distribute them evenly so every cookie gets a little bit of everything!

Step 7: Form the Cookies

Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon for a rustic look.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy!

These Christmas Rocks are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week—perfect for gifting or sharing throughout the holiday season.

How Long to Bake Christmas Rocks

Baking these cookies to perfection is key to getting the ideal chewy texture while keeping the fruits and nuts intact. Here’s a guide to help you get the timing just right:

Standard Size Cookies – Bake for 12-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the edges are golden brown.
Larger Cookies – If you prefer bigger cookies, bake for 15-18 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

The cookies are ready when the edges look set, and the centers are still slightly soft. Remember, they will firm up more as they cool!

How to Store Leftover Christmas Rocks

If you have any leftover cookies (though they tend to disappear quickly!), storing them properly will keep them fresh and delicious for days.

At Room Temperature – Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 1 week. Layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator – To keep them fresher for longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer – Christmas Rocks freeze beautifully! Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Rocks

To ensure these festive cookies come out beautifully every time, here are a few helpful tips:

Chop Ingredients Evenly – Be sure to chop the dried fruits and nuts into small, uniform pieces so they bake evenly and don’t overwhelm the dough.
Don’t Overbake – Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. Overbaking can make them dry instead of chewy.
Mix It Up – Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite fruits and nuts! Try adding dried apricots, figs, or even candied ginger for a different twist.
Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar – For an extra festive touch, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar. This gives them a beautiful holiday look.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Check that your nuts and dried fruits are fresh to ensure the best flavor and texture in your cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Christmas Rocks ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies are perfect for making ahead. Bake them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.

2. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

3. What nuts work best for Christmas Rocks?
Almonds, walnuts, and pecans are classic choices, but you can also use hazelnuts, cashews, or macadamia nuts for a unique flavor.

4. Can I add spices to enhance the flavor?
Yes! Ground nutmeg, cloves, or allspice can be added along with the cinnamon for an extra festive flavor. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

These tips and tricks will help you create a batch of irresistible Christmas Rocks that everyone will love this holiday season!

Christmas Rocks: Festive Fruit and Nut Cookies

Author: Sally Thompson
Total Time: 35 minute
Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These Christmas Rocks are a delightful holiday treat packed with chewy dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and a hint of warm spice. Perfect for festive gatherings, holiday gifting, or enjoying with a cozy drink, these cookies are as easy to make as they are beautiful to serve.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Chop the dried fruits and nuts into small, even pieces. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Customization – Add other dried fruits like apricots or dates, or sprinkle in candied ginger for extra flavor.
Storage – Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Presentation Tip – Dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a festive, snowy finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes