As the aroma of spices fills the kitchen, there’s something magical about baking during the holidays. Enter the festive charm of Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, a delightful blend of buttery goodness, cinnamon, and just a hint of citrus from fresh orange zest. These cookies not only offer a warm, welcoming treat but are also a wonderful addition to any holiday platter, delighting both friends and family. The dough may test your patience with its crumbly consistency, but don’t worry—each bite transforms that crumbly challenge into a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, they’re versatile enough to accommodate nut allergies, making them a crowd-pleaser for everyone. Ready to uncover the secret to these beautiful holiday treats? Why are Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies special? Festive Flavors: The blend of cinnamon, cloves, and fresh orange zest creates a rich, aromatic experience that screams holiday magic. Visual Appeal: With a sparkling sugar topping and jam center, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, perfect for impressing guests! Nut-Free Options: They’re adaptable for those with nut allergies, ensuring everyone can join in on the festive fun. Easy To Make: Although the dough may seem tricky, it’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t need professional skills; just patience and love! Versatile Variations: Switch up the jam for something like apricot or fig, allowing you to customize based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make for delightful gifts, ideal for cookie exchanges or simply sharing the joy of baking with loved ones! Check out our additional recipe for Lemon Sugar Cookies for more festive ideas! Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Ingredients For the Dough All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure; consider using unbleached for a rustic flavor. Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and tenderness; no substitutions are needed here. Salted Butter – Infuses richness; unsalted butter can be used, just add a pinch of salt. Ground Cinnamon – Enhances flavor; you can substitute with nutmeg or allspice for a different spice twist. Ground Cloves – Essential for capturing that holiday warmth; do not skip this ingredient. Zest of Orange – Infuses citrus notes; using fresh zest guarantees the best flavor. For the Topping Raspberry Jam – A delicious finishing touch; feel free to substitute with apricot or fig for a fun twist. Sparkling Sugar – Adds a festive crunch; you can replace it with regular sugar for a simpler look, though it sacrifices some visual appeal. These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, making them a must-try recipe this season! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Step 1: Dough Preparation In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and orange zest. Use a whisk to blend the dry ingredients well. Next, beat in softened salted butter until the mixture just comes together. The dough will be crumbly but should hold its shape when pressed. Cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Step 2: Rolling and Cutting Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to a thickness of about ½-inch, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the surface. Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out festive shapes. Carefully transfer the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie for even baking. Step 3: Jam Application Using a small brush, gently coat the top of each cookie with a thin layer of raspberry jam, ensuring to leave a little space around the edges. Patience is key here; too much jam can overwhelm the cookie dough. Get creative with your jam choices—whether you stick with raspberry or try something new like apricot. Step 4: Baking Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, place the baking sheets with your decorated cookies into the oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and remove the cookies when the edges are lightly golden. The smell will be irresistible, filling your kitchen with holiday cheer! Step 5: Cooling After baking, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let the Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies cool completely before decorating further or packaging them. This step is essential to ensure they firm up and maintain their delightful shape. Step 6: Decorating (Optional) To add a festive touch, sprinkle sparkling sugar over the cookies while they are still slightly warm, allowing it to adhere perfectly. This glimmering finish elevates the visual appeal of your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, making them perfect for sharing or gifting during the holiday season! Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Variations Get creative and make these delightful cookies uniquely yours! With just a few substitutions or enhancements, you can add a personal touch to your festive treats. Fruit Spread Swap: Replace raspberry jam with any favorite fruit preserve like apricot or fig for a delicious twist. Nut-Free Delight: Omit nuts and add a splash of vanilla extract for a nut-free adaptation that still packs a flavor punch. Spice It Up: Experiment by substituting ground cinnamon with nutmeg or allspice for a different warm spice profile that sings of the holidays. Zest Variation: Try mixing in grated lemon zest along with or instead of orange zest for a zesty kick that brightens the flavor. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste. Choco-Chip Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious, chocolaty twist that complements the richness of the shortbread. Bourbon-Infused: For an adult twist, brush the cookies with a light bourbon glaze after baking for an added depth of flavor. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After baking, toss the cookies in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra sweet, sparkly finish that both kids and adults will adore. Your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are only the beginning! Share them as gifts or display them on your holiday platter alongside treats like Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips or Fudgy Cookies and Cream Brownies. Enjoy the festive baking joy! How to Store and Freeze Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and delicious. Freezer Friendly: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months when properly wrapped. Thawing: To enjoy frozen Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste again. Make Ahead Options These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive spirit without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Additionally, you can cut out the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the fridge, apply the jam, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade cookies on hand with minimal effort when it’s time to celebrate! Expert Tips for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Flour Selection: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for a more rustic flavor; it can elevate your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies. Patience with Dough: If your dough feels too crumbly, let it chill longer. This will help it hold together while cutting out shapes. Jam Control: A light coating of jam enhances flavors, so avoid slathering; too much can overpower these delicate cookies. Baking Timing: Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the bake time; remove them promptly to ensure they stay soft and tender. Creative Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment by swapping jams! Apricot or fig can bring a delightful twist to your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies. Storing Carefully: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispness; these cookies can last up to a week! What to Serve with Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies As you prepare your festive platter, think of delightful pairings that enhance the joy of these sweet treats. Hot Cocoa: This creamy, chocolatey drink is the ultimate winter treat, perfectly complementing the spice of the cookies. Spiced Chai: Its warm spices echo the flavors of the cookies, offering a wonderful balance between sweet and rich. Fresh Fruit Salad: The brightness of seasonal fruits like oranges and pomegranates adds a refreshing crunch to the rich sweetness. Cheese Board: A mix of soft cheeses like brie or creamy goat cheese contrasts beautifully with the cookie sweetness, creating a sophisticated bite. Roasted Nuts: Lightly salted mixed nuts bring a crunchy texture, making an exciting contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth cookie experience. Mulled Wine: The spiced warmth of this festive drink mirrors the cookie’s spices, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla perfectly melts into the cookies, adding an indulgent touch that’s hard to resist. Gingerbread Men: These classic cookies resonate with holiday traditions and create a joyful mix of flavors on any dessert table. Peppermint Bark: The crunchy, minty treat adds a fun holiday twist and a pop of color alongside your shortbread cookies. Let each of these pairings enhance the festive spirit of your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, inviting smiles and laughter to your holiday gathering! Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right jam for these cookies? Absolutely! While raspberry jam is a classic topping, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Apricot, fig, or even orange marmalade can create delightful flavor combinations. Just make sure the jam is spreadable; heating it slightly can help! What’s the best way to store Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies? To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’ve baked a larger batch, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing to maintain their lovely texture. Can I freeze the dough before baking? Yes, you can! After rolling and cutting the dough into shapes, lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just place them directly in the oven and bake for a couple of extra minutes. My dough is too crumbly to work with. What can I do? Very often, dough can seem crumbly when it’s too dry. If you encounter this, try this simple fix: 1) Add just a teaspoon of cold water gradually while mixing until the dough holds together. 2) Alternatively, let the dough chill longer in the fridge; this can help with cohesion. 3) Remember, working quickly and keeping your hands cool can prevent the butter from melting too much, giving you a better dough texture. Are these cookies nut-free? Yes! These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are versatile and can easily be made nut-free. Simply omit nuts from the recipe and consider increasing the flavors with an extra splash of vanilla extract for added warmth. Always check your ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary needs. How can I make these cookies visually appealing? I recommend a light sprinkling of sparkling sugar right after baking! This not only enhances their charming appearance but also adds a delightful crunch. For an extra festive touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top once they’ve cooled completely. Enjoy the compliments when you share! Irresistible Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies for Festive Delights Delightful Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies blend buttery goodness, cinnamon, and fresh orange zest for a festive treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 12 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: HolidayCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough2 cups All-Purpose Flour Consider using unbleached for a rustic flavor.1/2 cup Powdered Sugar Adds sweetness and tenderness.1 cup Salted Butter (softened) Unsalted butter can be used, just add a pinch of salt.1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon You can substitute with nutmeg or allspice.1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves Essential for capturing that holiday warmth.Zest of 1 orange Orange Zest Using fresh zest guarantees the best flavor.For the Topping1/4 cup Raspberry Jam Feel free to substitute with apricot or fig.2 tablespoons Sparkling Sugar You can replace it with regular sugar for a simpler look. Equipment mixing bowlWhiskRolling PinCookie cuttersBaking SheetsParchment paper Method Dough PreparationIn a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and orange zest. Use a whisk to blend well.Beat in softened salted butter until the mixture just comes together. The dough will be crumbly but should hold its shape when pressed.Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.Rolling and CuttingOnce chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it to a thickness of about ½-inch on a lightly floured surface.Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes and transfer them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.Jam ApplicationGently coat the top of each cookie with a thin layer of raspberry jam, ensuring to leave a little space around the edges.BakingPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.CoolingAllow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before decorating or packaging.Decorating (Optional)Sprinkle sparkling sugar over the cookies while they are still slightly warm for a festive touch. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 20mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
