Introduction to Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
As a busy mom, I know how precious our time can be, especially when it comes to baking. That’s why I absolutely adore these Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies. They’re simple yet elegant, capturing the warmth of home in each buttery bite. Picture this: You get home after a long day, and in just under an hour, you can take a tray of freshly baked cookies out of the oven. Whether you want to surprise your loved ones or treat yourself to something delightful, these cookies are the perfect solution for any occasion. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are the ideal treat for busy lives. They come together quickly, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or holiday gatherings. Each cookie offers a delightful mix of nutty pecans, sweet jam, and a hint of citrus zest. They’re not just easy to make, but the flavors are so comforting that they’ll make your kitchen feel like a cozy embrace!
Ingredients for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle in baking these delightful Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of these cookies, it provides structure and a lovely texture.
- Ground cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and a touch of nostalgia, perfect for cozy baking moments.
- Ground cloves: Just a pinch brings an aromatic depth to the flavor, adding that unique holiday spirit.
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts: These nuts contribute a delightful nuttiness and crunch, boosting the cookie’s richness.
- Granulated sugar: It sweetens the cookies to balance out the flavors, making every bite delightful.
- Freshly grated orange zest: A burst of citrus that brightens the dough, lifting the entire cookie experience.
- Salted butter: Room temperature butter is key for that perfectly creamy blend, adding richness to the cookies.
- Jam: Choose your favorite jam—plum, raspberry, or strawberry will work wonderfully—as a delicious topping.
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling: This adds a little sparkle and extra sweetness on top of your cookies.
- Sparkling white sugar for sprinkling: For those extra festive vibes, give your cookies a beautiful shimmer!
Feel free to get creative! If you’re not a fan of nuts, leave them out, or if you don’t have orange zest, lemon zest could be a delightful alternative. The exact measurements are provided at the bottom of the article and are available for printing to make your baking adventure easier!
How to Make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get down to the fun part—making these extraordinary Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to cookie bliss.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 325ºF (163ºC). This ensures an even bake later on. While your oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps your cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. Trust me, parchment paper is a cookie baking superhero!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Whisk them together until evenly mixed. The spices and nuts should dance together well, so give them a good mix! This is where the flavors start to come alive.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Next, grab your room temperature butter—this is crucial for smooth blending. Use a pastry blender or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed. Mix the butter into your dry mixture until it resembles fine crumbs. You want it to cling together but also maintain some texture, like a sandy beach that’s ready for play. If it seems too dry, don’t worry, it’ll all come together soon!
Step 4: Form the Dough
Once your flour-butter mixture resembles those fine crumbs, it’s time to knead! Turn the crumbly dough onto your work surface and gently knead it until it forms a smooth ball. This step is satisfying—it’s like giving your dough a much-needed hug. After that, flatten the dough into a compact disk. This makes rolling much easier!
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
Now comes the fun part: rolling out the dough! Sprinkle a little flour on your counter to keep things from sticking. Roll the dough to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect! Use your favorite cookie cutters to shape the dough. Make sure to place the cut pieces about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. It’s like giving each cookie its own little space to shine!
Step 6: Add Jam Topping
Here’s where the magic happens. Using a small pastry brush (or even a spoon), spread a thin layer of your chosen jam over each cookie. Leave some space at the edges to prevent overflow while they bake. Plum jam adds a beautiful color, but feel free to get creative and use raspberry or strawberry. Each jam tells its own sweet story!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. Keep an eye on them! Look for lightly browned edges and set centers as your visual cues for doneness. Your home will start to smell heavenly around this time—your family won’t be able to resist!
Step 8: Finish and Cool
As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, sprinkle them with granulated sugar followed by sparkling white sugar. This adds a delightful sweetness and a festive touch. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Take a moment to admire your handiwork—you did it!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature butter; it blends more smoothly, creating perfect dough.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy!
- If dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk for better consistency.
- Experiment with different jams for your own unique flavor combinations.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing them to maintain their freshness.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheets: If you don’t have these, a large flat tray works too.
- Parchment paper: You can also use silicone baking mats as an alternative.
- Mixing bowls: Any bowls will do, just make sure they’re large enough for your ingredients.
- Pastry blender or stand mixer: A fork can substitute if you’re in a pinch!
- Cookie cutters: Use a glass or any round shape if you’re missing fancy cutters.
Variations of Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans or walnuts to make these cookies nut-free. Replace with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch!
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy the delightful taste.
- Citrus Twist: Swap the orange zest for lemon or lime zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a rich and indulgent twist on these shortbread cookies.
- Spiced Up: Experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon and cloves for a spicier flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
- Pair your cookies with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Present the cookies on a festive platter, garnished with fresh fruit for a lovely touch.
- Include them in gift baskets during the holidays; they make thoughtful treats for loved ones!
FAQs about Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Can I make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll be waiting ready for family and friends to enjoy!
What type of jam works best for these cookies?
While plum jam is the traditional choice, both raspberry and strawberry jams are just as delightful. Pick your favorite, or try a mix of them to create a unique taste experience in your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies!
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to maintain their texture.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with different flours! For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that it’s compatible with baking for the best results in your Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies.
What can I substitute for the pecans or walnuts?
If you’re looking to skip the nuts due to allergies or preferences, feel free to use sunflower seeds or even rolled oats for that added crunch without the nuts. Your cookies will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts on Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are not just a treat; they are a delightful slice of joy that turns any ordinary day into a celebration. Every bite offers a comforting embrace, perfect for enjoying alone or sharing with loved ones. I hope this recipe becomes an easy go-to whenever you need a sweet dose of happiness. With simple ingredients and effortless steps, you can create memories to savor. So roll up your sleeves, don your apron, and let the magic of baking fill your kitchen with warmth and delicious aroma. Happy baking, my friends!
Print
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nutty flavor of pecans with the sweetness of jam and a touch of citrus zest.
Ingredients
- 315 g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground cloves
- 30 g finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 72 g granulated sugar
- 1.5 tbsp freshly grated orange zest
- 227 g salted butter, room temperature, cut into small pieces
- Jam (such as plum, raspberry, or strawberry) for topping
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
- Sparkling white sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 163ºC. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, finely chopped pecans or walnuts, granulated sugar, and orange zest until evenly combined.
- Using a pastry blender or a stand mixer with paddle attachment set to low speed, incorporate the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles fine crumbs and begins to cling together.
- Turn the crumbly dough onto a work surface and knead gently until it forms a smooth ball. Flatten into a compact disk.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a thickness of 1.25 cm. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough, arranging cut pieces 5 cm apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Using a small pastry brush, spread a thin layer of jam over each cookie, leaving a border around the edges to prevent overflow.
- Bake on the center rack for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and centers are set.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with granulated sugar followed by sparkling white sugar. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Feel free to experiment with different jams for topping.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
