Name: Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter (very softened); 1 egg (at room temperature); 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1/2 cup plum jam (good quality); Pink sparkling sugar (for rolling); Freeze-dried berries (strawberries, raspberries, or a mix); 2 cups powdered sugar; 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream

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The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, curling into your senses like a cozy hug. Picture these vibrant Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies – each bite bursting with the comforting flavors of spiced orange and rich plum jam, soft and chewy with a delightful pink sparkle. The festive season calls for something special, a cookie that not only tastes fantastic but also captures hearts with its whimsical charm and playful colors. These cookies, inspired by the enchanting Nutcracker ballet, bring a sprinkle of magic to any holiday gathering, adorning your cookie platter with sweet delight.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies

When I think back to my childhood, I remember the excitement of December afternoons spent baking cookies with family, laughter and flour swirling in the air. It’s a joyous tradition that transforms the kitchen into a cozy sanctuary. Each year, I found myself enamored by the sparkle of sugar and the promise of sweet treats. This year, let’s create new memories together with these gorgeous Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip up these delicious cookies in about 2 hours, including chilling time!
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spiced orange and rich plum jam makes every bite a celebration of flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Those pink sparkling sugar and vibrant frosting create a stunning display that’s sure to impress.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any festive occasion, cookie swaps, or just a cozy afternoon treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Want to make them gluten-free? You can easily substitute with a gluten-free flour blend!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cookies. Be sure to scoop and level it for the most accurate measurement. For gluten-free options, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Essential for that soft, fluffy texture while helping them rise perfectly.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Ground Spices (Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg): These lovely spices add warmth and depth, evoking cozy holiday vibes.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to that delightful chewiness.
Unsalted Butter: Very softened butter is crucial for a tender texture. Don’t forget to let it sit out!
Egg: At room temperature to help bind everything together smoothly.
Vanilla Bean Paste: Infuses a rich flavor. You can substitute with pure vanilla extract if needed.
Orange Zest: Adds a fragrant brightness that perfectly complements the spices.
Plum Jam: Use a good-quality jam like Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavor if desired!
Pink Sparkling Sugar: This is for rolling your cookies before baking, giving them that fun festive sparkle!
Freeze-Dried Berries: These give the frosting an incredible berry flavor. Choose strawberries, raspberries, or a mix for variety.
Powdered Sugar: For making the frosting sweet and creamy.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness and helps achieve a silky frosting consistency.

How to Make Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and helps them bake evenly.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon each of baking powder, baking soda, and salt, along with the spices: 1 teaspoon of cardamom, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. This blend brings warmth and holiday spirit to your cookies!

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, blend 1 cup of very softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed. Beat for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy—this incorporates air for a tender cookie texture.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: Add in 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. The combination of flavors is going to be heavenly!

Fold Together Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as that can lead to tougher cookies.

Shape the Cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough and flatten it. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of cold plum jam in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the jam, pinching it closed, then roll into a ball. Roll each ball in pink sparkling sugar for that festive touch!

Arrange for Baking: Place the cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press them down slightly, taking care not to squish out the jam. Bake 6-8 cookies at a time in the oven.

Bake Until Golden: Bake your delightful cookies for about 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden while the centers remain soft. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Prepare Berry Plum Buttercream Frosting: While the cookies cool, make the frosting. Start by pulsing freeze-dried berries in a food processor until fine. Pass the powder through a sieve to remove larger seeds, yielding about 2 tablespoons of fine berry powder.

Beat the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/8 teaspoon of salt for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Mix in 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons of plum jam and the berry powder, followed by 2 cups of powdered sugar and 3-4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Combine on low speed, then switch to high until fluffy and creamy.

Decorate and Enjoy: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip (I love using a Wilton 2D tip). Once your cookies are fully cooled, pipe the frosting onto each cookie and finish with pretty sprinkles. Now you have a stunning batch of **Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies** to share!

Storing & Reheating

These Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture. If you need to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies (without frosting) in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and enjoy them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to refresh their taste and texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid that flat cookie problem, ensure your butter is softened properly—creamy but not melted.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes; this helps them bake evenly.
Whenever possible, chill your dough briefly after mixing. It improves flavor and dough handling.
Elevate flavor by adding 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract for a lovely twist.
If you prefer a firmer cookie, slightly increase baking time by a minute or two while keeping an eye on them!

The charming flavors and festive spirit of these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone this holiday season. They’re soft, chewy, and absolutely delightful, making every bite a treat! Feel free to experiment with different jams or decorations to make them your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the cookie balls before baking them. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake from frozen.

Can I use different flavors of jam?

Yes! While plum jam gives a fantastic flavor, feel free to substitute it with other fruit jams like raspberry, apricot, or even cherry for a fun twist!

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies spread excessively, it might mean your dough is too warm. Ensure the butter is properly softened (not melted) and consider chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days. If you find them getting a bit stale, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their chewy texture!