When the holiday season arrives, nothing feels more festive than a batch of freshly baked Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the sweet, tart kick of sugar plum jam, these cookies make the perfect holiday treat. Whether you’re preparing them for a cookie exchange, gifting them, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these delightful cookies bring the flavors of fall and winter to life in a simple and elegant way. In this article, you’ll learn how to create these delicious cookies and explore tips for perfecting the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are the perfect balance of rich, buttery shortbread and the festive sweetness of sugar plum jam. The beauty of shortbread lies in its simplicity—the dough is made from just a few ingredients, yet it results in a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Adding sugar plum jam gives these cookies a burst of fruity flavor, elevating the classic shortbread recipe into something special for the holiday season.

One of the things that make this recipe so enjoyable is its versatility. The sugar plum jam can be swapped out for other fruit preserves if you want to try different flavor combinations. This means you can adjust the sweetness and fruitiness to match your preferences. The cookies also come together quickly, without the need for complicated techniques, making them ideal for busy holiday baking. With just a few steps, you’ll have a batch of these delightful cookies ready to serve.

Recipe Details

The origins of shortbread cookies can be traced back to Scotland, where they were traditionally baked for special occasions. Over the years, shortbread has evolved, and today we see many creative variations of this beloved treat. Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are a modern twist on the classic shortbread, adding a fruity element that perfectly complements the buttery richness of the cookie.

This recipe incorporates sugar plum jam, a seasonal treat made from plums and sugar, often with added spices such as cinnamon and cloves. The jam gives the cookies a unique depth of flavor, making them stand out from traditional shortbread cookies. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want a comforting snack, these cookies bring the perfect touch of sweetness and sophistication to any occasion.

Nutritional Information for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

While Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are indulgent, they provide some nutritional benefits in moderation. A typical serving (one cookie) contains around 120-150 calories, depending on the size and specific ingredients used. The shortbread itself is rich in fat, primarily from the butter, which gives the cookies their signature crumbly texture. The sugar plum jam adds a touch of sweetness, though it also contributes sugar and carbohydrates.

The good news is that these cookies provide a bit of dietary fiber and antioxidants thanks to the sugar plum jam. Plums, the main ingredient in the jam, are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which support overall health. While Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are not necessarily a health food, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation.

To make the recipe slightly healthier, you could experiment with alternatives like low-fat butter, a sugar substitute, or even whole wheat flour for the dough. However, be mindful that these changes could alter the texture and flavor of the cookies, so adjustments should be made with care.

Ingredients for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

To make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup sugar plum jam (or your favorite fruit jam)

These ingredients combine to create a buttery, crumbly shortbread with a sweet, fruity filling. The butter provides richness and softness to the dough, while the sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies crisp up in the oven. The sugar plum jam is the key ingredient, infusing the cookies with a vibrant, seasonal flavor.

Equipment Needed for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

To prepare Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, you will need the following kitchen tools:

Mixing bowls: To combine the dough ingredients.
Electric mixer or hand mixer: To cream the butter and sugar.
Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
Cookie cutter: For cutting the dough into your preferred shapes.
Baking sheet: To bake the cookies.
Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Spoon or offset spatula: For spreading the jam on the cookies.

These tools will help you make the process smooth and efficient, ensuring perfectly baked cookies.

Pro Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips for perfecting your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies:

Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature before mixing. This helps it blend seamlessly with the sugar, creating a smooth and creamy dough.
Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft or sticky while rolling, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough.
Choose High-Quality Jam: The jam is the key flavor in these cookies, so use a good-quality sugar plum jam (or another fruit jam of your choice) for the best results.
Space the Cookies Well on the Baking Sheet: Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet to allow for even baking.
Add a Dash of Cinnamon or Nutmeg: If you love spices, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.

Instructions for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm it up.
Roll the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Add the Jam: Using a small spoon or offset spatula, add a small dollop of sugar plum jam in the center of each cookie. Be sure not to overfill, as the jam may spread during baking.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve: Once cooled, serve the cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container. They make a wonderful gift or a special treat for any occasion.

Recipe Variations for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

Other Jam Flavors: If you don’t have sugar plum jam, you can easily swap it for other flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot. Each jam will give the cookies a different flavor profile.
Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread: For an extra indulgent twist, dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate, or drizzle chocolate over the top for decoration.
Spiced Shortbread: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough to enhance the fall and winter flavors of these cookies.
Nutty Shortbread: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, into the dough for added texture and flavor.

Storage & Serving Guide

Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them for a longer period, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. To freeze, wrap the cookies in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They will last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

To serve, remove the cookies from the storage container and let them come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor. These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting, or enjoying on your own.

FAQs About Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. The cookies can also be made and stored for up to 1 week.
Can I use a different jam?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sugar plum jam with any fruit preserve, like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Roll it into a log, wrap it in plastic, and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, just slice the dough and bake as directed.
How do I prevent the jam from spreading?
Use a small amount of jam in the center of each cookie and ensure it’s not overflowing before baking. This will prevent the jam from spilling over.
Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes, you can add finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to the dough for a nutty version of these cookies.

Conclusion

Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that combines the rich, buttery texture of shortbread with the sweet and fruity essence of sugar plum jam. Their simple preparation, elegant look, and delicious flavor make them a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive gathering, gifting them to friends and family, or just enjoying them with a warm cup of tea, these cookies are sure to delight. Enjoy baking and savoring these indulgent treats, and share them with loved ones for the ultimate holiday experience.