These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the flavors of the holiday season! With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the sweet hint of dried fruit, these cookies are ideal for holiday baking or a cozy afternoon snack.
PrintSugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Looking for a festive treat that combines classic shortbread with a holiday twist? 🎁 These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are it! With their delicate texture and sweet, fruity flavor, they’re the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. 🍑✨ Perfect for cookie swaps or just cozying up by the fire, these cookies bring the warmth of the season to life. 🌟🎄 Bake, share, and enjoy the joy these little delights will bring! 💖🍪
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- Total Time: 25 minutes (including cooling)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🍞
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar 🍯
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍋
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, or dried plums), finely chopped 🍇
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling) 🍬
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
3️⃣ Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well to incorporate.
4️⃣ Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
- Fold in the finely chopped dried fruit until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5️⃣ Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball using a fork or your hands.
6️⃣ Add a Touch of Sweetness:
- Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with coarse sugar for a sparkling finish.
7️⃣ Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Soften the Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth dough consistency.
- Customize the Fruit: Feel free to use a variety of dried fruits, such as dried apricots, cranberries, or dried cherries, for a unique twist.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Coarse Sugar Sparkle: Don’t skip the coarse sugar on top— it adds a lovely crunch and a hint of sweetness to each bite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Buttery & Crisp: Classic shortbread with a rich, buttery flavor.
- Fruity Twist: Dried fruit, such as raisins or currants, adds a festive, chewy element.
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package them in a cute tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🍞
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar 🍯
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍋
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, or dried plums), finely chopped 🍇
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling) 🍬
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
3️⃣ Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well to incorporate.
4️⃣ Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
- Fold in the finely chopped dried fruit until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5️⃣ Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball using a fork or your hands.
6️⃣ Add a Touch of Sweetness:
- Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with coarse sugar for a sparkling finish.
7️⃣ Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Soften the Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth dough consistency.
- Customize the Fruit: Feel free to use a variety of dried fruits, such as dried apricots, cranberries, or dried cherries, for a unique twist.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Coarse Sugar Sparkle: Don’t skip the coarse sugar on top— it adds a lovely crunch and a hint of sweetness to each bite!
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Treat Platter: Arrange these cookies alongside other festive treats like gingerbread or snowball cookies.
- Tea Time: Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa for a cozy snack.
- Cookie Exchange: Perfect for a holiday cookie swap, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Make These Every Year
These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are the perfect balance of buttery, crisp shortbread with the added charm of sweet, chewy dried fruit. They’re simple to make, yet elegant enough to share with family and friends during the holidays. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat to gift or a sweet snack for yourself, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?
While fresh fruit can be used in a pinch, frozen fruit may add extra moisture to the dough. If you’re using frozen fruit, make sure to pat it dry before chopping to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
3. How long do these cookies last?
These cookies will stay fresh for about 5–7 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these shortbread cookies.
Conclusion
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are the perfect holiday treat—simple, flavorful, and full of festive charm. With a buttery texture, a hint of sweetness from dried fruit, and a touch of sparkle from the coarse sugar, these cookies will quickly become a holiday favorite. Whether you bake them for your next gathering or enjoy them with a cup of tea, they are sure to bring joy and warmth to your home.