Sugar Plum Cookies
Buttery, Fruity, and Simply Magical – A Perfect Holiday Treat!
Straight out of a storybook and onto your dessert table, these Sugar Plum Cookies are everything you want in a holiday sweet: soft, rich, delicately sweet, and bursting with bits of dried plums. A gentle hint of vanilla and a crunchy sugar coating bring festive nostalgia in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a cozy winter tea, or Santa himself—these are sure to become a new seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Buttery and soft with the perfect chewy center
- Sweet pops of fruity plum and nutty crunch
- Rolled in sugar for a sparkling finish
- Easy to make and festive enough for any holiday gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup finely chopped dried plums (prunes)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts or almonds work best)
- ¼ cup sugar, for rolling
Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Egg & Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain.
5. Mix in Dried Plums (and Nuts)
Gently fold in the chopped dried plums and nuts, if using. The dough will be thick and easy to work with.
6. Roll and Coat in Sugar
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands. Roll each ball in the additional sugar and place on your prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten Slightly
Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each ball—this gives the cookies a nice even shape as they bake.
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. The centers will remain soft.
9. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips
- Enjoy with a warm cup of tea or mulled wine
- Package in festive tins for holiday gifts
- Serve on a dessert platter with shortbread, snowballs, or gingerbread cookies
Yields: About 30 cookies
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Freezer Friendly: Yes! Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months
#HolidayBaking #SugarPlumMagic #CookieSeason
