Description

These Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies offer irresistible flavors of spiced orange and rich plum jam. They’re soft, chewy, visually stunning, and perfect for holiday gatherings, making them a delightful homemade treat anyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

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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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla bean paste, and orange zest to the creamed mixture and mix until pale and fluffy.
Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until just combined.
Shape the dough into balls, place plum jam in the center, and roll in pink sparkling sugar.
Arrange the cookie balls on baking sheets and bake for 9-10 minutes or until edges are golden.
Cool cookies before preparing the frosting with freeze-dried berries and remaining ingredients.
Pipe frosting onto cooled cookies and decorate.

Notes

If using gluten-free flour, ensure it’s a 1:1 blend for best results.
For firmer cookies, bake a minute or two longer while watching closely.
Chilling the dough prior to baking can improve flavor and handling.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg