Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are irresistibly buttery, crumbly, and filled with festive plum jam, making them the perfect holiday treat. These cookies bring together classic shortbread richness and fruity sweetness, making them elegant enough for Christmas dessert tables, cookie exchanges, or cozy winter nights with tea. With a total preparation time of just 30 minutes, including baking, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies to share with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will enchant anyone who tries them. Here are just a few reasons to love them:
- Buttery and tender: The rich, buttery flavor melts in your mouth.
- Festive and fun: Plum jam adds a burst of fruity sweetness, perfect for the holidays.
- Easy to make: This Easy Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookie Recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort.
- Perfect for sharing: They make wonderful gifts or contributions to cookie exchanges.
- Versatile: You can experiment with different jams or toppings.
- Kid-friendly: These cookies are great for baking with children, creating lovely memories together.
The Sugar Plum Dessert Recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a festive atmosphere to your celebrations. Plus, they fit well within a vegetarian diet, making them suitable for a wide range of guests.
Ingredients for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Gather these items:
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) plum jam or sugar plum preserves
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add vanilla, then mix in flour and salt until combined into a soft dough.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll tablespoon-sized dough balls, place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and press a thumbprint into each center.
- Step 3: Spoon or pipe about 1/2 teaspoon plum jam into each indentation.
- Step 4: Bake for 12–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 5: Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
- Use high-quality plum jam for the best flavor.
- For a fun twist, try adding a hint of almond extract.
Best Ways to Serve Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
These cookies shine in various settings:
- Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.
- Use them as part of a dessert platter for holiday gatherings.
How to Store and Reheat Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore their delightful texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies?
The secret lies in properly creaming the butter and sugar, ensuring a light, fluffy base. Also, using quality plum jam enhances the flavor significantly, making these cookies a real treat.
Can I make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll and shape the cookies, adding the jam before baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies?
To avoid mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately and don’t overmix the dough. Also, ensure your oven is properly preheated to achieve the best baking results.
Variations of Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies You Can Try
Feel free to customize your cookies. Here are some delicious variations:
- Swap the plum jam for apricot or raspberry preserves for a unique twist.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture.
- Experiment with flavored extracts, like lemon or almond, to change the cookie’s profile.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle with colored sugar before baking.
With these delightful variations, the Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies can become a staple for any occasion, offering a new taste sensation every time!
Irresistible Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies for the Holidays
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistible Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies That Make the Holidays Magical
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) plum jam or sugar plum preserves
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add vanilla, then mix in flour and salt until combined into a soft dough.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll tablespoon-sized dough balls, place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and press a thumbprint into each center.
- Spoon or pipe about 1/2 teaspoon plum jam into each indentation.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
