Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies 🍪✨

Introduction

The holiday season always brings a special kind of joy, and baking is one of my favorite ways to celebrate. This year, I decided to whip up a batch of Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, and they were an absolute hit with my family! The delicate flavor of orange and pecans paired with a hint of warm spices creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any festive occasion. With their sparkling sugar topping and a dollop of jam, these cookies not only taste divine but also look stunning on a holiday dessert table. Everyone raved about them, and I couldn’t help but feel the warm glow of holiday spirit as we enjoyed them together.

Ingredients

For the Orange-Pecan Spice Shortbread Cookies:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1½ tablespoons freshly grated orange zest
• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature, cut into small pieces

For the Jam & Sparkling Sugar Topping:

• Homemade or store-bought plum, raspberry, or strawberry jam
• Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
• Sparkling white sugar (such as Wilton’s), for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325ºF (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Make the Shortbread Dough

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, cloves, chopped nuts, sugar, and orange zest. Using a pastry blender or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs and starts to cling together. The dough will still be quite crumbly at this stage.

Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth, forming it into a ball and flattening it slightly into a disk. The dough may seem frustratingly crumbly, but keep working it gently.

3. Roll and Cut the Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into your desired shapes. Transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

4. Add the Jam Topping

Using a small brush or spoon, carefully spread a light layer of jam on top of each cookie, leaving a small border around the edges. This step requires patience, so take your time to avoid overloading the cookies with jam.

5. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 18-22 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies, until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set.

6. Add the Sparkle

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, lightly sprinkle them with granulated sugar, followed by a dusting of sparkling white sugar for a festive touch.

7. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve these cookies on a decorative plate.
• Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or festive tea.
• Store in a cookie jar for easy snacking.
• Wrap individually in cellophane for gifting.
• Add to holiday gift baskets alongside other baked goods.

Additional Tips

1. Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
2. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too warm or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling.
3. Cookie Cutter Shapes: Use seasonal cookie cutters to make the cookies extra festive.
4. Jam Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different jams, such as apricot or blueberry, for unique flavors.
5. Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Spiced Up: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
• Chocolate Version: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet twist.
• Iced Cookies: Drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cookies for added sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies as part of a holiday cookie platter.
• Pair them with cheese for a sweet and savory snack.
• Use as a dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Include in lunch boxes as a special treat.
• Enjoy as a cozy evening snack with warm milk.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookies. Shape the dough, cut into cookies, and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the texture and flavor may vary.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly browned, and the centers should be firm to the touch.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

4. What types of jam work best?
Plum, raspberry, or strawberry jam work well, but feel free to use your favorite.

5. How should I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

6. Can I add chocolate to the dough?
Yes! Mini chocolate chips can be a delightful addition.

7. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! They make a lovely homemade gift during the holiday season.

8. What if my dough is too crumbly?
Try kneading it a bit longer or adding a small amount of milk to help it bind.

9. Can I use fresh fruit instead of jam?
Fresh fruit may not work as well; jam provides the right texture and sweetness.

10. What are some good beverage pairings?
Hot cocoa, tea, or even spiced cider make great companions for these cookies.

Conclusion

These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are not just a delightful treat; they’re a celebration of the flavors of the season. With their crunchy edges, soft centers, and sweet jam topping, they encapsulate the warmth and joy of holiday baking. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to spread cheer. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a holiday masterpiece that will become a cherished tradition for years to come!

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