The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and nothing quite says Christmas like homemade cookies. These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic shortbread recipe, with the addition of dried fruit for a burst of flavor and texture. Soft, buttery, and a little bit fruity, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make these delicious Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, step by step. Plus, you’ll get some tips on how to make them even more special and unique!
Ingredients for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
To make these delectable shortbread cookies, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, currants, or dried plums), finely chopped
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
Note: These ingredients are common and easy to find, making this recipe perfect for holiday baking sessions with family or friends.
How to Make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Making these cookies is easy, and the result is a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that everyone will love. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cookies don’t stick to the baking sheet and are easy to remove once baked.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This will help ensure that the dry ingredients are well-combined and there are no clumps of salt in your dough.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate, larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for getting the right texture in your cookies, so be sure to mix it well. Add the vanilla extract and mix it into the butter-sugar mixture.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently to combine. It’s important to not overmix at this stage to maintain the light, crumbly texture of shortbread. Once the dough starts to come together, fold in the chopped dried fruit. You can use raisins, currants, or dried plums—whichever you prefer or have on hand. The dried fruit adds a festive touch and a delightful chewiness to the cookies.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space the balls about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread as they bake. Flatten each dough ball gently with a fork or your hands to create a uniform shape.
Step 6: Add the Final Touch
Sprinkle the tops of each cookie with a little coarse sugar. This step adds a subtle crunch and a sparkly finish to your cookies, making them look even more festive and appetizing.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as oven times can vary. The goal is to get a crisp exterior with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once the cookies are done, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help the cookies firm up and retain their shape.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. This is key to achieving the right texture in the cookies.
- Chop the Dried Fruit Finely: Chopping the dried fruit into small pieces ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will prevent the fruit from overpowering the delicate shortbread texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This helps the dough firm up and results in a slightly crispier texture once baked.
- Customization: Feel free to get creative with your dried fruit! You can use dried cranberries, apricots, or even a mixture of dried fruits to suit your taste. The addition of nuts like chopped almonds or pecans would also complement the fruit nicely.
- Storing: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can prepare them ahead of time for the holidays.
Why You’ll Love These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients for these cookies are easy to find and affordable. No special equipment is required to make them—just basic kitchen tools.
- Perfect for the Holidays: The addition of dried fruit gives these shortbread cookies a festive touch that’s perfect for holiday celebrations like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any winter gathering.
- Buttery and Delicious: The rich, buttery flavor of these shortbread cookies is always a crowd-pleaser, and the dried fruit adds a bit of sweetness and chewiness that makes them extra special.
- Great for Gift Giving: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family. Package them in a decorative tin or box, and they’re ready to give as a thoughtful, delicious present.
Conclusion
These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are a simple yet delicious treat that everyone will love. They’re perfect for holiday baking or any time you want to enjoy a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your cookie jar.
So, get baking today and treat yourself and your loved ones to the joy of homemade shortbread cookies with a festive twist!
