Decadent Sugar Plum Cookies for Sweet-Tooth Cravings
Greetings baking enthusiasts! If you are looking for a unique treat to impress your holiday guests, then look no further. I have a recipe that will transport you straight to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy reigns as queen. I am excited to share with you my personalized twist on traditional Christmas cookies: Sugar Plum Cookies.
As a skilled baker, I know how essential a good recipe is for creating cherished memories and delightful desserts. For this reason, I have thoroughly tested and perfected this recipe to ensure your success in the kitchen. With every chewy bite of these cookies, you’ll experience the sweet and tart flavors of plum preserves, wrapped up in a sugary cookie dough for a memorable combination.
My recipe invites you to enjoy the festive spirit of the holidays while also satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. The vibrant colors of purple and pink provide a beautiful pop of color amidst traditional holiday dessert trays. And who could resist the temptation of delicately powdered sugar-dusted Sugar Plum Cookies sitting alongside other classic favorites such as Linzer Cookies, Thumbprint Cookies, or even Creme Brulee?
So get ready to “plum” it up at your next Christmas gathering with these whimsical delicacies. Your guests will be fighting over who gets to take home the remainder of these addictive treats – but don’t forget to save some for Santa Claus himself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready to sink your teeth into the perfect holiday treat? Look no further than these delectable sugar plum cookies! Trust me when I say you’ll adore every single bite of these heavenly creations.
First and foremost, let’s talk flavor. With the sweetness of plum preserves and the delicate texture of a sugar cookie, this recipe is the perfect balance of sugary goodness. Not to mention, they are incredibly easy to make – even for those who dread spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the best things about this recipe is the versatility it offers for customization. Want to mix up the shape? Go for it! Linzer cookies or thumbprint cookies, you can shape these as per your holiday spirit calls for. You can also choose to substitute ingredients such as using different kinds of jam or preserves rather than plum preserves, to make them truly personalized.
Plus, these sugar plum cookies stay fresh for several days making them a wonderful make-ahead option for all the busy homeBakers out there.
Lastly, let’s not forget how festive and fun they look! Imagine serving them on a decorative platter at your next holiday gathering. Your guests will be wowed at both their beauty and delicious taste.
So why wait until Christmas? Delight your taste buds with these charming sugar plum cookies any time of year!
Ingredient List
The ingredient list is the backbone of any recipe, and this one is no exception! To make these sugar plum cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup plum preserves
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Extra Ingredients
- Sugar plum fairy sprinkles (optional)
Most of these ingredients can be found in your local grocery store. Granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and unsalted butter are staples in most kitchens, while the more unique ingredients include the plum preserves and sugar plum fairy sprinkles. The plum preserves give a fruity, tart taste to the cookies that perfectly compliments the other flavors. These cookies also contain wonderful, warming spices like ground cinnamon to ensure that they’ll taste just like Christmas!
Once you’ve gathered your dry and wet ingredients, it’s time to bring them together!
The Recipe How-To
Now, the most awaited part of this article – the recipe itself! Get ready, apron up and let’s head to the kitchen to create these delectable treats.
Ingredients needed:
- 1 can (16.5 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 1 cup plum preserves
- 1/4 cup sugar plum fairy crème brûlée-flavored coffee creamer or Irish cream liqueur
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped sugar plums
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
Step 2
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Step 3
In another bowl add the Pillsbury™ refrigerated sugar cookie dough and mix using a spoonful until light and fluffy. Then add in the vanilla extract and stir until fully combined.
Step 4
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until mixture forms into a pliable dough. Gently fold in the plum preserves and chopped sugar plums.
Step 5
Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface until it is approximately 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes using your preferred Christmas-themed cookie cutters.
Step 6
Transfer your cookies onto your prepared baking sheet placing them about an inch apart from each other.
Step 7
Bake for about 12 to15 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.
Step 8
Remove from oven and let it sit for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool.
There you have it – your wonderfully delicious Sugar Plum Cookies! These cookies will surely fill your humble abode with their sweet aroma and leave you yearning for more. Enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or serve them up with some milk.
Substitutions and Variations
If you are feeling experimental, there are some substitutions and variations you can try with this Sugar Plum Cookies recipe. One option is to swap out the plum jam or preserves with a different fruit preserve or even jelly. Raspberry or strawberry preserves could be used for a different flavor profile that may still complement the sugar cookie dough.
Another variation to consider is using the cookie dough as a base but changing the cutout shapes or fillings. For example, you could create thumbprint cookies by pressing your thumb into each cookie ball before baking and filling it with a different type of jam or chocolate spread.
Additionally, if you are looking for a more festive flair, you can try using cookie cutters to make Christmas-themed cookie shapes like snowflakes, reindeer or Christmas trees instead of round circles. Once baked and cooled, you can decorate each cookie with icing or sprinkles for an added touch of holiday cheer.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something entirely different, consider using the sugar cookie dough as a base for other desserts such as plum crème brûlée, plum shortbread cookies or even linzer cookies. The possibilities are endless!
No matter which variation or substitution you choose, remember to keep in mind that the amount of dough may need adjusting depending on how many cookies you plan to make. Experimentation is part of the fun when it comes to baking so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Serving and Pairing
These sugar plum cookies are fitting for any occasion but particularly during the Christmas season. The aroma of plum preserves and sugar cookie will fill your kitchen as you make these little bites of heaven. These cookies are best served warm and fresh out of the oven, with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate.
Although they are delicious on their own, they can also be paired with a variety of desserts such as crème brûlée and linzer cookies. For a more festive holiday look, you can also serve them alongside other Christmas cookies like thumbprint cookies and plum shortbread cookies.
Moreover, these sugar plum cookies can be an excellent addition to your dessert platter when entertaining guests or family gatherings during the holidays as everyone loves popular Christmas cookie recipes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or a simple dinner with close friends, these cookies will surely impress your guests.
To add more excitement, you can drizzle some plum jam over the top of the cookies to complement the plum preserves that are already in the recipe. This will add extra flavor and sweetness to your treats!
In conclusion, these sugar plum cookies make a perfect dessert to enjoy during cold winter evenings while snuggled up with loved ones. By pairing them with different desserts or even some homemade drinks, it’ll add an extra sweetness to any event you may have planned.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made these delectable sugar plum cookies, you’ll probably want to have some on hand for later. Fortunately, they store quite well if you follow a few simple tips.
If you plan on serving the cookies within 1-2 days, you can leave them at room temperature in an airtight container. This will help maintain their fluffy texture and keep them from drying out.
For longer storage, it’s best to freeze the cookies. To do so, take your cooled cookies and arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray. Place this tray in the freezer for an hour or so until the cookies are solid. Once they’re frozen through, transfer them to an airtight container or bag and label the container with the date before returning it to the freezer. These cookies can last up to six months!
To reheat frozen sugar plum cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for several hours before serving. Alternatively, you can heat them up in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until they’re warm and crispy.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your sugar plum cookies anytime you want – even long after the holidays are over!
Tips for Perfect Results
Bakers crave a perfectly made cookie with just the right texture, sweetness, and appearance. For this recipe, I am sharing some of the tips and tricks that will help you achieve perfect cookies every time.
To start with, it’s essential to refrigerate the sugar cookie dough for at least an hour before using it. The refrigeration process will allow the dough to firm up and makes it easier to handle. As a result, it will prevent the dough from spreading out too much during baking.
To achieve the right texture, use plum preserves instead of fresh plums. The preserves will give the cookies a moist texture which complements their sweetness nicely.
When scooping out spoonfuls of dough onto your baking sheet, make sure to roll them in your hands to create a uniform shape. They should be plump like a little sugar plum fairy.
Sugar is crucial in this recipe, so measure out 1 1/2 cups carefully. Too much sugar will result in overly sweet cookies; too little will result in dull-tasting ones.
These cookies taste best when they have a golden-brown color around the edges. Checking on your cookies every 5 minutes while baking will ensure that they don’t overbake in the oven.
If you would like to add more flavor variety to these cookies recipes, mix and match them with other popular Christmas cookies such as linzer or thumbprint cookies. You can also sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of the cookies before baking them for that extra morsel of crunchiness.
In conclusion, following these tips would make you prepare your own batch of sugar plum cookies like a seasoned pro. These sweet holiday treats will surely satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone craving for more!
FAQ
Now that you have read everything you need to know about making these mouth-watering sugar plum cookies, it’s time to address some common questions and concerns. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) that will help guide you through any potential issues and make the process even smoother. Let’s take a look!
What is the number 1 Christmas cookie?
According to General Mills, Peanut Butter Blossoms have been crowned the most beloved Christmas cookie in the nation. This confectionery treat reigns supreme as the top visited recipe in seven different states across the U.S. It’s safe to say that this cookie recipe is a fan favorite, and its popularity is thoroughly deserved.
What is the oldest holiday cookie?
The story of gingerbread can be traced back to the medieval times when it was made with honey, breadcrumbs, and a generous blend of spices during the crusades. The dough was carefully pressed into intricately carved boards depicting religious symbols and then left to dry. This humble cookie has been enjoyed during the holidays for generations and has become an iconic part of holiday traditions worldwide.
What are sugar plum cookies made of?
During the Victorian era, people enjoyed a special treat called a sugar plum. This delicacy consisted of a preserved plum that was coated in sugar and baked at a low temperature for days until it was completely dry. The result was a crunchy, sweet confection that was often used as a decoration for Christmas trees or savored as a festive snack. Despite its historical roots, the sugar plum continues to be a beloved treat during the holiday season.
What is the second most popular Christmas cookie?
According to a recent survey, sugar cookies with frosting topped the list of favorite cookies with a 21.9% preference rate. Coming in at a close second were chocolate chip cookies with a preference rate of 21.6%. This indicates that people have quite the sweet tooth and love indulging in baked treats.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe is a sure way to impress anyone, even the Sugar Plum Fairy herself. The combination of plum preserves and sugar cookie dough creates a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The recipe is easy to make and can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. You can substitute the plum preserves with other fruit jams or jellies, or even make your own from scratch. You can also add different toppings or drizzle crème brûlée over them for an extra touch of decadence.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, but especially for the holiday season. They are popular Christmas cookies that will bring joy to everyone who tries them. They make great gifts and can be served at parties or enjoyed as a dessert after dinner. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who loves sugar plum fairy cookies and wants an easy, but impressive holiday cookie recipe.
So what are you waiting for? Try out this Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe today and experience the sweet taste of magic in every bite. Trust me, you’ll love it!
Yule Love These Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces refrigerated sugar cookie dough (Pillsbury refrigerated log style)
- 1/4 cup plum preserves
- colored crystal sugar (green and or red)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F Slice cookies into 1/8 inch slices.
- To half the cookies, cut out centers using a small Christmas cookie cutter (or carefully use a sharp pointed knife to make a tree or simple design).
- To the other half, use a marble or small round item and indent a small well in the center, rolling almost to the edges with the marble.
- Place about 1/2 tsp of the plum preserves leaving the edges free of jam. Top with the cut out slices. Press edges to seal and sprinkle with the colored sugar crystals.
- Place onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake aprox 8-10 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.