Name: Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 tsp Baking Powder; 1/2 tsp Baking Soda; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Ground Cardamom; 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves; 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg; 1 cup Granulated White Sugar; 1 cup Unsalted Butter (very softened); 1 Egg (at room temperature); 1 tbsp Vanilla Bean Paste; 1 tsp Orange Zest; ~1/4 cup Plum Jam; ~1/2 cup Pink Sparkling Sugar; heaping 1/2 cup Freeze-Dried Berries; 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened) for frosting; 1/8 tsp Additional Salt; 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp Extra Plum Jam; 2 cups Powdered Sugar; 3-4 tbsp Heavy Cream; Pink Sprinkles

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The air is filled with the sweet scent of sugar and spice, reminiscent of winter wonderlands and festive gatherings. Imagine opening your oven door to reveal a tray of golden-brown cookies, their pink sparkling sugar glistening under warm kitchen lighting. Each bite promises a burst of buttery goodness with a hint of warm spices and fruity plum filling that dances on your taste buds. This year, as we embrace the joys of the holiday season, baking these Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies will not only fill your home with delightful aromas but also create sweet memories with family and friends.

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

Growing up, I remember my grandmother and I bustling around the kitchen, laughter mingling with the sounds of cookie dough being rolled and cut. It was during these cherished moments that I realized the magic of baking lies in the love shared through each recipe handed down. So why not bring that warmth into your home with these delightful cookies? Whether serving them at a holiday party or enjoying them with a hot cup of cocoa on a chilly evening, these Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are bound to bring joy to your heart. Let’s get started on this festive baking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 2 hours, including cooling time—perfect for busy schedules.
Irresistible Flavor: Buttery, chewy cookies infused with lively spices and sweet, fruity plum jam create a mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their vibrant pink sparkling sugar coating and beautiful frosting make these cookies as fun to look at as they are to eat.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for holiday parties, gifting, or a delightful afternoon snack—the perfect treat any time of day.
Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is not inherently gluten- or dairy-free, substitutions can easily be made to accommodate dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour (2 3/4 cups): This forms the structure of your cookies. Be sure to spoon and level your flour for accuracy. You could substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
Baking Powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise to achieve that lovely, soft texture.
Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Works with the acids in your dough for perfect browning and texture.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors. A pinch more won’t hurt!
Ground Cardamom (1 tsp): Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that beautifully complements the spices.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Classic holiday spice, lending warmth and sweetness to every bite.
Ground Cloves (1/4 tsp) & Ground Nutmeg (1/2 tsp): These spices deepen the cookie’s flavor profile, giving it that comforting, seasonal essence.
Granulated White Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookies and contributes to that soft, chewy texture.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup, very softened): The star ingredient; ensure it’s softened well to create a smooth, creamy dough.
Egg (1, at room temperature): Binds everything together and adds richness.
Vanilla Bean Paste (1 tbsp): A luxurious touch, boost the cookie’s flavor depth with real vanilla flavors.
Orange Zest (1 tsp): Brightens the cookies and adds a refreshing touch.
Plum Jam (~1/4 cup): A sweet filling that brings a fruity surprise in every bite. I recommend Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam for perfect flavor.
Pink Sparkling Sugar (~1/2 cup): This sprinkle adds a festive touch and delightful crunch.
Freeze-Dried Berries (heaping 1/2 cup): Adds a fruity flavor to the frosting; use your favorite berries for best results.
More Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened) for frosting: Ensures a creamy consistency.
Additional Salt (1/8 tsp): Just a pinch enhances flavor.
Extra Plum Jam (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp): Amplifies that fruity element in the frosting.
Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the frosting; sift for a smooth texture.
Heavy Cream (3-4 tbsp): Adds creaminess to the frosting; adjust for desired consistency.
Pink Sprinkles: Because who doesn’t love a little extra shimmer?

How to Make Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes for easier cleanup.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and fragrant spices—1 tsp ground cardamom, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg. This mixture forms the flavor backbone of your cookies.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of very softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated white sugar using an electric mixer on high speed for about 1-2 minutes, until it’s airy and pale. Next, add 1 room temperature egg, 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste, and 1 tsp orange zest, mixing until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale—approximately 1-2 minutes. The combination creates a rich foundation bursting with flavor!

Fold Together Gently: Carefully incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients at low speed, just until combined. Be gentle here to keep the airiness in your batter!

Form Dough with Jam: Using a 2 tbsp cookie scoop, portion the dough and flatten each scoop. Place 1/2 tsp of plum jam in the center, then fold the dough around it like an envelope. Pinch the edges to seal the jam inside, then roll the dough into a ball, ensuring the jam stays tucked away. This process ensures a delightful surprise in each bite!

Coat and Shape: Roll each cookie dough ball in pink sparkling sugar for a festive touch and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball to form a circle, careful not to squish out the jam.

Bake Until Golden: Bake 6-8 cookies at a time for about 9-10 minutes, or until their edges are just golden. The center might still look slightly soft, which is ideal for that chewy texture. Once done, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting: While the cookies cool, make the berry plum buttercream. Start by adding the freeze-dried berries to a food processor and pulse them until they’re finely ground. Using a sieve, sift out any large seeds to ensure a smooth frosting. You’ll want about 2 tbsp of this berry powder for flavor.

Mix the Buttercream: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/8 tsp salt, mixing with an electric mixer until fluffy and light—about 3-4 minutes. Now, incorporate the 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp of plum jam and the berry powder, mixing until well combined.

Add Sweetness & Cream: Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and 3-4 tbsp of heavy cream, mixing at low speed until combined, then increase to high until the frosting is light and fluffy. The consistency should be smooth and pipable; add more cream if needed.

Frost and Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip—like a Wilton 2D tip for a beautiful swirl. Pipe the frosting generously onto each cookie, then sprinkle with decorative pink sprinkles for that extra sparkle!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re thinking long-term, you can freeze them in a rigid freezer-safe container with parchment paper in between layers for up to three months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature and optionally reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 3-5 minutes—this refreshes the soft, chewy texture that makes these cookies so delightful!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your butter is softened properly; if it’s too cold, your cookies could turn out dense.
Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and a creamier texture.
If your jam is too runny, refrigerate it for a bit to thicken up before filling the cookies.
Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking; they should look just set and slightly puffy.
For additional flavor, consider folding some finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough.
You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it; just let it sit out for about 10 minutes before baking.

The next time you’re looking for a cookie that embodies the warmth of the festive season, whip up a batch of these delightful Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies. Each bite offers a lovely blend of spices, sweetness, and nostalgia that will leave a smile on your face. Don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine through the decorative frosting and sprinkles! Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed alone with a cup of tea, these cookies are a celebration of joy, creating moments that linger long after the last crumb is gone.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it sit out for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking to ensure the dough is manageable. The cookies themselves also freeze wonderfully—just remember to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking!

What can I use instead of freeze-dried berries?

If you don’t have freeze-dried berries, you can opt for fresh or frozen berries, but be aware they will alter the frosting’s texture. Another fun option is to use a flavored jam in the frosting for added sweetness and flavor.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or even add a splash of citrus juice to cut the sweetness while enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Can I bake these cookies on a silicone baking mat?

Yes! Silicone baking mats work wonderfully because they provide a non-stick surface just like parchment. Remember to retain enough space between cookies for optimal spreading!