Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies: 5 Sweet Memories Await

Ah, the holiday season! There’s something magical about it, isn’t there? The air is crisp, the lights twinkle, and the scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through the house. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up during this time is Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies. They’re sweet, buttery, and just the right touch of festive. Every year, I gather with my family, and we make a whole afternoon out of baking these little treasures together. I can still recall the first time I made them! It was a chilly December afternoon, and I was attempting to impress my friends at our annual cookie exchange. As I mixed the dough, I couldn’t help but sneak a taste of that buttery goodness. Wow! The moment those cookies came out of the oven, the whole house filled with that cozy aroma. We barely let them cool before diving in, and let me tell you, they disappeared in a flash! If you’re looking for a delightful treat to share or indulge in this holiday season, these cookies are where the joy is at!

Ingredients for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

To make the most delicious Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting that perfect buttery bite!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your cookies. It gives them structure and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars. This adds richness and a creamy flavor that’s hard to resist!
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This fine sugar gives the cookies a delightful sweetness and a smooth texture, making them tender.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just a touch of granulated sugar enhances the sweetness and adds a bit of crunch to the cookie edges.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-have for that warm, inviting flavor that complements the buttery richness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Don’t skip this! It balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cookies.
• 1/2 cup chopped dried plums: These are the stars of the show! They bring a lovely sweetness and chewy texture, adding a unique twist to your shortbread.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create a batch of cookies that will fill your home with festive cheer!

How to Prepare Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up these buttery treats in no time.

Prepping the Dough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready for those cookies! In a large mixing bowl, grab your softened unsalted butter and add in the powdered sugar and granulated sugar. Start creaming them together using a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon. You’ll want to cream for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this is where the magic begins! The goal is to incorporate air into the butter, which gives your cookies that lovely, tender texture.

Once you’ve got that fluffy goodness, mix in the vanilla extract. It adds that warm, inviting aroma that makes your kitchen feel like a holiday wonderland! Now, gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt. Just mix until everything is combined—don’t overdo it! You want to keep that texture just right.

Finally, fold in those chopped dried plums. This step is crucial because they add a unique chewiness that makes each bite so special. Your dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but with a good consistency to shape into cookies.

Shaping and Baking

Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to shape those cookies! Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a small ball. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet to give them room to spread. Once they’re all on the sheet, take a fork and gently flatten each ball just a bit. This not only gives them a lovely texture but also helps them bake evenly.

Pop those beauties into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for a light golden color on the edges. They might look a little soft when you take them out, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The aroma wafting through your house will be irresistible, and I bet you won’t be able to resist sneaking one while they’re still warm!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite for many reasons! Here’s why I can’t get enough of them:

• Easy Preparation: With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these cookies up in no time!
• Delightful Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness with the chewy sweetness of dried plums creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make lovely gifts! Imagine presenting a jar filled with these beautiful treats to friends and family during the holidays.
• Festive Aroma: Baking these cookies fills your home with that warm, inviting holiday scent that’s bound to put everyone in a cheerful mood.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a delightful dessert, a sweet snack, or even alongside a cup of hot cocoa or tea!

Trust me, once you try these cookies, you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved seasonal treat!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips and tricks to share with you! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and make your baking experience a breeze.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened properly. Cold butter will not cream well, resulting in denser cookies. Leave it out for about an hour before you start baking.
• Don’t overmix the dough: When you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them to be tender and melt-in-your-mouth!
• Chill the dough if it’s too sticky: If your dough feels too soft to shape, pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer. If your cookies seem to be browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and adjust your baking time accordingly.
• Experiment with add-ins: If you want to mix things up, try adding in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies that will impress everyone this holiday season!

Nutritional Information for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

When it comes to enjoying these delightful Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! However, please keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following values are typical estimates based on standard ingredients:

• Calories: 120 per cookie
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

These cookies make a delightful treat, and with a bit of moderation, you can enjoy their buttery goodness as part of your holiday festivities!

FAQ About Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

Got questions about these delightful Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:

• Can I use fresh plums instead of dried plums? I wouldn’t recommend it! Fresh plums have a high moisture content, which can alter the cookie’s texture. Sticking with dried plums ensures a chewy texture and a balanced sweetness.
• How should I store the cookies? To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last about a week, but trust me, they’re usually gone long before then!
• Can I freeze the dough for later use? Absolutely! If you want to save some for a later date, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking!
• What can I substitute for butter? If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Just make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
• Can I add spices to the cookie dough? Yes, feel free to experiment! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a lovely warmth to the cookies and enhance their holiday charm.

These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions as you bake!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies fresh and delicious, it’s essential to store them properly. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—though they rarely last that long in my house!

If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies, too. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

If you prefer a warm cookie experience, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll be soft and buttery, just like when they came out of the oven—perfect for a cozy treat anytime!

Serving Suggestions for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

When it comes to serving these delightful Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, there are so many fun and festive ideas to make them shine! I love to present them on a beautiful platter, perhaps dusted with a little extra powdered sugar for that snowy, holiday touch. You can also wrap them in cute cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for charming gifts that friends and family will adore.

Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve them alongside a glass of warm spiced cider or hot chocolate, creating a delightful flavor combination. For a fun twist, try crumbling a few cookies over a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, it’s a heavenly pairing! No matter how you decide to serve them, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!

For more recipes follow me in page Facebook and Pinterest.

Print