Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
There’s something absolutely enchanting about the aroma of fresh Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the scent of cinnamon and warm butter. Picture these cookies: their golden edges cradling a sweet, jeweled layer of jam that gleams like a little sunbeam. As you take a bite, they crumble lightly, revealing a buttery texture that melts in your mouth. Each of these delicate treats can evoke memories of cozy winter afternoons, possibly spent baking with loved ones, laughing and sharing stories.
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The holidays always bring a certain charm, don’t they? I remember baking with my grandmother, who taught me that love is the most important ingredient. These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive get-togethers—or really any time you want to bring a little joy into someone’s life. Ready to whip up a batch of happiness? Let’s get started on these delightful little gems!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep time and under 25 minutes in the oven, you’ll have homemade cookies in no time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The nutty pecans and sweet jam come together to create a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Their vibrant jewel-like topping makes these cookies a stunning addition to any dessert table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, or a gentle wake-up call with your morning coffee.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Swap the butter for vegan alternatives to make these treats accessible for everyone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies for a tender texture. You can substitute with a gluten-free blend, but results may vary.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice note that enhances the sweetness. Feel free to up the quantity for an extra kick!
- Ground cloves: Just a pinch brings depth to the flavor profile; nutmeg can stand in here too if you have it on hand.
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts: These nuts add a buttery crunch. If allergies are a concern, try sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Granulated sugar: Regular sugar gives the perfect sweetness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Freshly grated orange zest: A hint of citrus brightness to balance out the sweetness. Lemon zest is a lovely alternative if you’re out of oranges.
- Salted butter: Room temperature butter provides rich flavor and helps in achieving a smooth dough. If you prefer, you can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.
- Jam (plum, raspberry, or strawberry): This tops our cookies to bring that delightful fruity flavor. Choose your favorite variety or go with seasonal jams for a festive flair.
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling: A light dusting adds sweetness and texture.
- Sparkling white sugar for sprinkling: This crunchy sugar not only sweetens but gives a lovely shimmer, elevating the cookie’s presentation.
How to Make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies won’t stick and can be easily transferred to wire racks later. The aroma of preheating butter and sugar will start to fill your kitchen with warm anticipation!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ¼ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Adding the ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and 1 ½ tablespoons of freshly grated orange zest will blend these aromatic spices with nutty sweetness, preparing the foundation for your cookies.
Incorporate Butter: Using a pastry blender or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment set to low speed, mix in 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened salted butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. This process is crucial; you want it to cling together just enough to hold its shape when pressed. You’ll see the buttery goodness start to shine through, mixing beautifully with your dry ingredients.
Knead and Shape the Dough: Turn the crumbly mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it forms a smooth ball. A quick tip: be careful not to over-knead, or you’ll end up with tough cookies! Flatten the dough into a compact disk, which makes rolling it out much more manageable.
Roll the Dough: On that same lightly floured surface, roll the disk of dough to about ½ inch thick. Using cookie cutters, create your desired shapes, and arrange them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing allows them to spread slightly while baking, ensuring even cooking.
Add the Jam: Using a small pastry brush, carefully spread a thin layer of your jam over each cookie, leaving a little room at the edges to avoid overflow. This little detail ensures they stay pretty and don’t turn into a gooey mess! From raspberry to plum, pick a jam that speaks to your heart (and your taste buds!).
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers set. Keep an eye on these beauties; you’ll know they’re ready when you catch a whiff of that inviting fragrance filling your kitchen.
Cool and Finish: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle them generously with granulated sugar followed by sparkling white sugar for added sparkle. This step makes them look more inviting and adds that extra crunch. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storing & Reheating
For optimal freshness, store your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for about a week, just remember to use a container that seals well. Feeling ahead of the game? You can freeze these cookies! Layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes to revive that melt-in-your-mouth texture. They may soften a bit in the freezer, but they’ll still taste delightful!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Check for perfect butter consistency: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and maximum flavor.
- Prevent sticky dough: If the dough is too sticky while rolling out, sprinkle a bit more flour on your surface.
- Watch oven time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies around the 16-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Experiment with flavors: Add different spices or zest to the dough for unique flavor combinations. Imagine cinnamon-orange or almond extracts!
- Make-ahead option: You can make the dough a day in advance, store it wrapped in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Despite their delicate nature, these Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies pack a delightful punch of flavor and charm. With that crisp buttery crumb melting into sweet fruitiness, they can easily become your new favorite treat. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different jams or nuts, finding the perfect combination that speaks to you! Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or your afternoon coffee, these cookies are worth every moment spent in the kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are fantastic, walnuts or even almonds make wonderful alternatives. If you have nut allergies, consider using sunflower seeds for that delightful crunch without the nuts.
What if I don’t have orange zest?
No worries! Lemon zest works just as well, adding a nice zing to the cookie. You can also skip the zest if you prefer a more straightforward shortbread flavor.
How can I ensure my cookies are perfectly shaped?
Chilling the dough before rolling it out can help maintain its shape. If you find the dough is too soft, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes before rolling.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The dough can be prepared and stored in the fridge for a day or frozen for up to three months. Just keep the dough wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.
Each step of your journey into baking these Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies will land you in a scrumptious reward, enticing family and friends alike. The enchanting flavor and buttery texture of these cookies make every bite feel like a warm hug! Enjoy creating and sharing them—it’s something special that your loved ones will surely appreciate!
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📖 Recipe Card
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the enchantment of Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies. Their buttery texture and vibrant jam topping make them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons freshly grated orange zest
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
- plum, raspberry, or strawberry jam
- granulated sugar for sprinkling
- sparkling white sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, cinnamon, cloves, pecans, and sugar in a bowl.
- Mix in softened butter until crumbly; knead to form a smooth dough.
- Roll out to ½ inch thick and cut into desired shapes.
- Spread jam on cookies, leaving room at edges.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until lightly browned.
- Sprinkle with granulated and sparkling sugar; cool on wire racks.
Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Add more flour if dough is sticky while rolling out.
Chill the dough if it’s too soft before rolling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
