If you’re looking for a cookie that tastes like a cozy holiday hug, you’ve got to try this Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These delicate delights combine buttery, crumbly shortbread with warm spices and a burst of sweet, tangy jam that will brighten any cookie tray. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings, gifting during the holidays, or simply indulging with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon. Each bite is a little celebration of flavors and textures that feels both familiar and irresistibly festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple while relying on ingredients that each play an essential role in creating that perfect cookie. From the spiced flour mixture that gives the shortbread warmth to the butter that ensures a tender crumb, plus a vibrant splash of orange zest for brightness, every component counts.
- All-purpose flour (315 g): The base of our shortbread, providing structure and the perfect crumbly texture.
- Ground cinnamon (0.5 tsp): Adds a gentle warmth and festive spice that complements the fruit jam beautifully.
- Ground cloves (0.25 tsp): A pinch brings depth and a slightly aromatic spiciness without overpowering.
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts (30 g): Introduce a subtle nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender dough.
- Granulated sugar (72 g): Sweetens the dough and contributes to the signature crisp edges.
- Freshly grated orange zest (1.5 tbsp): Brightens the flavor with citrus notes that lift the earthiness of the spices.
- Salted butter, room temperature (227 g): The heart of the cookie, butter ensures richness and a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Jam (plum, raspberry, or strawberry): This provides that fruity, jammy pop right in the center of each shortbread.
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling: Adds a sparkling sweet crunch after baking.
- Sparkling white sugar for sprinkling: Gives the final luxurious shimmer and sweet sparkle.
How to Make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 163ºC and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet with ease, setting the stage for perfect shortbread every time.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, finely chopped nuts, granulated sugar, and grated orange zest. This blend is what infuses the cookies with their signature warm spice and citrus brightness.
Step 3: Blend in the Butter
Using a pastry blender or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed, work the butter into the dry mixture until it looks like fine crumbs beginning to cling together. This step is all about mixing just enough to form the dough without overworking it to keep that tender, crumbly texture intact.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Turn the crumbly dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it until it forms a smooth ball. Then flatten it into a compact disk. This makes it easier to roll out evenly for cutting.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Roll the dough out to about 1.25 cm thickness, which is just right for the perfect shortbread bite—thick enough to be buttery and soft, yet thin enough to crisp on the edges. Use your favorite cookie cutters to shape the cookies and arrange them about 5 cm apart on your prepared baking sheets to ensure they bake properly without merging.
Step 6: Add the Jam
With a small pastry brush, paint a thin layer of your chosen jam on each cookie. Leave a small border around the edges so the jam doesn’t overflow during baking. This keeps the cookies tidy and visually appealing while giving you that juicy surprise inside.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop the cookies into the oven on the center rack and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for lightly browned edges and set centers, which tells you that they’ve baked just right and will have that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 8: Add Sweet Sparkle and Cool
Right after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle granulated sugar followed by sparkling white sugar on top. This double sugar dusting adds a delightful crunch and a festive shimmer. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving to set their shape and intensify the flavors.
How to Serve Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, sprinkle a bit of finely grated orange zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar over your cookies just before serving. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers can add a fresh, colorful contrast that makes these treats look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with hot drinks like spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or a creamy latte. If you’re hosting, a cheese board featuring mild cheeses, fresh fruits, and nuts will complement the sweet and spicy profile of the shortbread nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or holiday parties, stack the cookies in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon. You can also serve them on a wooden platter lined with parchment and accented with sprigs of rosemary or cinnamon sticks for a rustic, inviting display that will tempt everyone to grab one.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their tender crumb and crisp edges so you can enjoy that homemade taste anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. If freezing dough, shape and layer pieces between parchment, then thaw in the fridge before baking. Baked cookies freeze best in airtight containers separated by parchment paper and can keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-baked warmth, simply heat the cookies in a preheated oven at 150ºC for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave to preserve their crispness and avoid a soggy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut or omit nuts entirely?
Absolutely! While pecans or walnuts add a lovely texture and flavor, you can substitute them with almonds or even sunflower seeds, or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.
What kind of jam works best in this recipe?
Traditional plum jam is perfect, but raspberry or strawberry jams offer delightful variations. Choose a jam with a balanced sweetness and a smooth consistency to avoid sogginess.
Is it necessary to use salted butter?
Salted butter enhances the flavor by balancing sweetness, but you can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to the dough if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute butter with a vegan alternative and ensure your jam does not contain gelatin. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious!
How do I keep the jam from leaking during baking?
Spreading a thin, even layer of jam and leaving a small border around the edges helps prevent overflow. Choose a thicker jam, and avoid using too much.
Final Thoughts
These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe are truly a treat that embodies both comfort and celebration in every bite. I hope you give them a try and discover just how easy it is to create a stunning cookie that feels special and festive. Once you taste that buttery, spiced goodness with the sweet jam center, I’m sure these cookies will become a beloved favorite to share with loved ones time and time again.
Print
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are delicate, buttery treats infused with warm spices, chopped nuts, and bright orange zest. Each cookie is topped with a thin layer of fruity jam and finished with a sparkling sugar sprinkle, making them a festive and flavorful delight perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 315 g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground cloves
- 30 g finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 72 g granulated sugar
- 1.5 tbsp freshly grated orange zest
Wet Ingredients
- 227 g salted butter, room temperature, cut into small pieces
Toppings
- Jam, such as plum, raspberry, or strawberry, homemade or prepared
- Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
- Sparkling white sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 163ºC (325ºF). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, finely chopped pecans or walnuts, granulated sugar, and freshly grated orange zest until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Incorporate Butter: Using a pastry blender or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed, gradually add the room temperature salted butter into the dry mixture. Mix until the dough resembles fine crumbs and begins to cling together.
- Knead Dough: Turn the crumbly dough out onto a clean work surface. Gently knead it until it forms a smooth, cohesive ball. Then flatten this ball into a compact disk shape.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1.25 cm (half an inch). Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into your desired shapes and arrange the cut pieces about 5 cm (2 inches) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Add Jam Layer: With a small pastry brush, carefully spread a thin layer of jam over each cookie, leaving a border around the edges to prevent the jam from overflowing during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets on the centre rack of your preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set.
- Finish and Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven. While still warm, immediately sprinkle each cookie with granulated sugar followed by sparkling white sugar. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before serving.
Notes
- The nuts can be substituted with your favorite variety or omitted to suit dietary preferences.
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature to help achieve the perfect crumbly texture in the dough.
- You can use any jam flavor for topping, but plum, raspberry, and strawberry work best with these spices.
- For festive occasions, try using colored sparkling sugar to add a colorful sparkle.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
