The moment you bite into a Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookie, you’re transported to a cozy kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goodness. With a delightful blend of butter, the warmth of cinnamon and cloves, and a touch of zesty orange peel, these cookies promise not only to satisfy your sweet tooth but also to bring a touch of nostalgia to your taste buds.
I stumbled upon this delightful recipe after a long day of searching for something comforting yet unique to brighten up my afternoon. It’s incredible how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create a masterpiece. These cookies are perfect for serving guests at holiday gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of tea on a lazy weekend afternoon. What I adore most is their versatility; feel free to play around with different jams to suit your taste, whether it’s a classic plum, vibrant raspberry, or a rich strawberry.
If you’re ready to leave fast food behind and embrace the magic of homemade, let’s get baking!
Why You'll Love This Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just 20 minutes of prep and simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- The delightful combination of flavors, from warm spices to zesty orange, creates an exquisite taste that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them.
- Their versatility is unmatched; you can customize the jam filling to suit your preferences, making each batch uniquely delicious.
- With their charming appearance and delightful sprinkle of sugar, these cookies are visually appealing and perfect for sharing at celebrations or cozy evenings at home.
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
• Dive into the delightful flavors of these cookies with these simple ingredients!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – a key ingredient giving these cookies their structure and crumbly texture.
- Ground cinnamon – adds a warm, sweet spice that perfectly complements the other flavors.
- Ground cloves – these aromatic spices enhance the holiday spirit in each bite.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts – provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that balances sweetness.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the dough, making the cookies irresistibly delicious.
- Freshly grated orange zest – adds a bright, citrusy note that elevates the overall taste.
- Salted butter – brings richness and depth, ensuring each cookie is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
For the Topping
- Jam (plum, raspberry, or strawberry) – use your favorite jam to add a fruity burst of flavor to your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies.
- Granulated sugar, for sprinkling – adds a touch of sweetness and sparkle after baking.
- Sparkling white sugar, for sprinkling – gives a beautiful, festive finish that makes these cookies shine.
How to Make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 163ºC (325ºF). Get two baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
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Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, chopped pecans or walnuts, granulated sugar, and freshly grated orange zest until everything is evenly distributed for a well-flavored dough.
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Incorporate the butter into the dry mixture. Use a pastry blender or a stand mixer on low speed to blend until it resembles fine crumbs and starts clumping together—this will create that delightful shortbread texture.
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Knead the dough gently on a floured surface. Turn out the crumbly mixture and knead it until it forms a smooth ball. Then, flatten the dough into a compact disk, ready for rolling.
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Roll out the dough to 1.25 cm thickness. On a lightly floured surface, carefully roll the dough and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, placing them about 5 cm apart on your prepared baking sheets.
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Spread the jam on each cookie. Using a small pastry brush, apply a thin layer of your favorite jam—plum, raspberry, or strawberry—over the cookies, making sure to leave a small border around the edges.
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Bake on the center rack for 18–22 minutes. Look for lightly browned edges and set centers; this is when they’ll be perfect to pull out of the oven!
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Sprinkle with sugars right away! Once out of the oven, immediately dust the cookies with granulated sugar, followed by sparkling white sugar for that holiday sparkle. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet before serving.
Optional: Drizzle a little melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are a wonderful choice for meal prep, saving you time during busy baking days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. If you’re planning a larger batch, the unbaked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; simply roll the dough, cut into shapes, and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—simply bake directly from frozen for an additional minute or two. To maintain their delightful texture, avoid overbaking, and sprinkle with sugar immediately after coming out of the oven for that charming finish. Enjoy the convenience and the deliciousness of homemade treats with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies?
These delightful cookies are just the beginning of a cozy gathering filled with warmth and flavor.
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Hot Tea: The aromatic notes of tea complement the spice in the cookies, creating a comforting duo for chilly afternoons.
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Mulled Wine: Rich, spiced mulled wine enhances the festive feel, making every bite of the cookies even more indulgent.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings a burst of color and refreshing sweetness to balance the buttery cookies.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies adds a decadent touch that elevates their sweetness to new heights.
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Mulled Apple Cider: The warm spiciness of mulled cider creates a harmonious pairing that invites cozy conversations around the table.
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Pecan Pie Bars: These sweet bars provide a delightful crunch and familiar flavors that echo the nutty notes in the cookies.
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Spiced Almond Milk: A warm cup of spiced almond milk offers a nutty, creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the spices in the cookies.
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Gingerbread Men: The classic flavor of gingerbread cookies brings a nostalgic touch to your dessert spread, making it delightfully festive.
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Cookie Platter: Create a festive cookie platter mixing different cookies for a joyous celebration of flavors and textures at your gathering.
How to Store and Freeze Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you’d like to store them longer, place the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure they’re covered to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any other flavors.
Freezer: To freeze Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Reheating: To refresh the cookies after freezing, reheat in a preheated oven at 150ºC for about 5-10 minutes. This will bring back their delightful warmth and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will make your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies uniquely yours.
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Nut-Free: Substitute chopped pecans or walnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option that’s just as tasty. They’ll add a lovely crunch!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities while keeping the texture delightful and crumbly.
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Citrus Twist: Swap orange zest for lemon or lime zest for a zesty surprise that brightens the flavors in each cookie bite.
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Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough for a rich chocolate surprise that contrasts beautifully with the sweet jam.
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Jam Variety: Experiment with different jams like apricot, cherry, or even mango for a fruity explosion that changes each cookie batch.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the dough for an extra layer of warm spice that will cozy up your kitchen.
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Crunch Factor: Replace the chopped nuts with crispy rice cereal for a light and crunchy texture that’s fun and unexpected.
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Heated Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the dough for a warm kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the jam.
Whichever variation you choose, these cookies will surely fill your home with comforting aromas and sweet memories!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation into the dry ingredients, which helps achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
- Avoid overworking the dough when kneading to keep your cookies tender; gentle handling is key.
- To make cutting out shapes easier, lightly flour your rolling surface as well as the dough and cookie cutters to prevent sticking.
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, pulling them out when the edges are lightly browned for optimal flavor and texture.
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe fruit for the jam?
To select ripe fruit for your jam, look for vibrant colors and a sweet aroma. For plums, they should yield slightly to pressure, indicating that they’re soft yet firm. Avoid any fruit with dark spots or blemishes, as these could indicate overripeness or spoilage.
How should I store Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and tasty. If you’d like them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just ensure they are well-covered to avoid drying out!
Can I freeze Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or heat them in a preheated oven at 150ºC for 5-10 minutes for that freshly-baked aroma.
What should I do if the dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly and isn’t holding together, don’t worry! Begin by adding a small amount of room temperature butter, about a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. You can also try adding a teaspoon of cold water to help bring it all together. Just remember to knead gently.
Can I use different types of nuts or eliminate them entirely?
Very! If you prefer, you can substitute the nuts with another crunchy option like seeds or omit them altogether for a nut-free version. They’re still delightful without nuts, and you won’t lose any of that wonderful shortbread flavor.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
While Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are delicious for humans, be cautious with your furry friends. They contain butter and sugar, which aren’t ideal for pets. Always check ingredients if you’re planning to share, especially with dogs, as some fruits can be harmful.
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 163ºC (325ºF). Get two baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, chopped pecans or walnuts, granulated sugar, and freshly grated orange zest until evenly distributed.
- Incorporate the butter into the dry mixture using a pastry blender until it resembles fine crumbs.
- Knead the dough gently on a floured surface until it forms a smooth ball, then flatten into a compact disk.
- Roll out the dough to 1.25 cm thickness, and cut into shapes, placing them 5 cm apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Spread the jam on each cookie, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Bake on the center rack for 18–22 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Sprinkle with sugars right away after baking and allow to cool before serving.
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