Cozy Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe, Made Simple
There’s something truly comforting about baking on a quiet weekend morning—the warm scent drifting through the house, the gentle crackle as you bite into a buttery cookie. This Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe is one of my favorite ways to bring a little joy and cozy sweetness to any day. You’ll find the tender, crumbly texture paired with those bright hints of orange and warm spices quite warming. I love how these cookies balance that traditional shortbread richness with fresh fruity toppings. It’s like a little celebration of flavors—simple ingredients coming together in a way that feels both classic and a touch special. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, these cookies deliver that just-right crisp and melt-in-your-mouth softness every time. As we walk through this Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe, I’ll share tips that have helped me perfect the dough’s texture and nail the topping’s sparkle. It’s all about easy steps and satisfying results you’ll want to repeat.❤️
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Balanced flavors: Sweet, rich, and thoughtfully textured.
- Friendly technique: Clear steps built for home success.
- Easy to personalize: Swap in seasonal twists without stress.
- Make-ahead smart: Prep components to save time on busy days.
Ingredient Lowdown
- All purpose flour: The base for our crumbly shortbread—make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
- Ground cinnamon & cloves: Warm spices that add depth and a subtle holiday vibe without overpowering.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: For a toasty crunch that brings out a lovely nutty note.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the edges crisp up beautifully.
- Freshly grated orange zest: Bright citrus oils that lift the cookie with fragrant, zingy bursts.
- Salted butter (room temperature): The hero of shortbread—use good quality butter for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Jam (plum, raspberry, strawberry): Adds a vibrant fruity contrast; homemade or store-bought works fine.
- Granulated & sparkling sugar: For that irresistible glittery finish and a subtle crunch.
Set Up for Success
Before you dive in, lay out all your ingredients measured and ready. The butter especially needs to be room temperature—not too soft, not cold—to cream nicely. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to gently bake these without browning the bottoms too much. I like to line my baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure an easy release and quick clean-up.🔧
Tools & Kitchen Gear
Helpful tools that make this Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe smooth from start to finish—plus optional extras for efficiency and precision.
Step-by-Step: Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns pale, thick, and fluffy. You’ll notice the aroma lighten the air—this step is key for that buttery-soft texture.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and cloves. Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts to evenly distribute their toasty crunch.
- Incorporate zest and dry ingredients: Add the fresh orange zest to the butter mixture, then gradually fold in the flour and nut mixture. I like to use a sturdy spatula here to keep the dough from overworking. It will feel slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a thick disk. Chill this wrapped disk in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up the butter—this step helps the cookies keep their shape and bake evenly.
- Cut and bake: Roll the chilled dough gently to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters or a knife to create shapes. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced an inch apart. Sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar before popping them into the oven.
- Bake low and slow: Bake for 15-18 minutes, watching closely when the edges just begin to take a light golden hue. The low temp preserves the buttery tenderness while giving the cookies a gentle crisp.
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Chef’s Notes & Success Tips
For best results, be sure the butter is nicely softened before creaming but not greasy-soft; it should hold a bit of shape when you press your finger into it. When mixing the dough, avoid adding too much extra flour—you want that classic delicate crumb, not dense. And don’t skip chilling: the shortbread texture crisps up beautifully after rest. Finally, watch your bake time; a pale golden edge means your cookie still melts gently inside.
- Add jam and toppings: Once the cookies have cooled completely (this is important to prevent sogginess), dollop a small spoonful of your chosen jam—like plum, raspberry, or strawberry—right in the center. Sprinkle sparkling white sugar over the jam for that lovely, toasty-crunchy finish that catches the light and adds a festive sparkle.
- Let set and serve: Allow the jam-topped cookies to rest for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the sugar topping firms up. Then enjoy these beauties with a cup of tea or coffee, savoring the burst of warm spice, citrus, and sweet fruit in every bite.
Flavor Twists for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Swap orange zest for lemon or lime zest to brighten the citrus notes.
- Add finely chopped crystallized ginger for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Use chopped pistachios instead of pecans for a vibrant color and buttery crunch.
- Top with apricot or marmalade jam for a sunshiny twist.
- Incorporate a pinch of cardamom with the cinnamon and cloves for exotic warmth.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store cookies: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add parchment paper layers to avoid sticking.
- Freeze dough: Wrap dough disk tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking.
- Freeze baked cookies: Fully bake, cool, and freeze cookies in a single layer on a tray. Transfer to airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Jam topping: Add jam just before serving to keep cookies crisp and fresh.
- Reheat: Briefly warm cookies in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for 3-5 minutes to refresh that just-baked softness.
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
- Can I use salted butter for this recipe? Yes, salted butter adds a nice savory balance to the sweet dough. Just skip adding any extra salt.
- What’s the best way to get the cookies perfectly crisp? Baking at a lower temperature and not overbaking is key. Also, chilling the dough helps retain shape and texture.
- Can I substitute the nuts? Definitely! Pecans and walnuts work best, but almonds or hazelnuts can add a lovely flavor too.
- Do I have to add the jam and sparkling sugar topping? No, these cookies are delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar too. The topping adds a pretty, festive touch.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and chill the dough well before baking.
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Delight in the buttery, tender texture of Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, infused with warm orange and spice notes, crunchy pecans, and topped with vibrant jam and sparkling sugar. Perfectly festive and elegant, these cookies blend classic shortbread richness with a fruity, sweet sparkle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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 room temperature, salted butter, cut into small pieces
Jam & Sparkling Sugar Topping
- Homemade or prepared jam (plum, raspberry, or strawberry)
- Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
- Sparkling white sugar, such as Wiltons, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature salted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates the base for tender shortbread.
- Add orange zest and nuts: Stir in the freshly grated orange zest and finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the butter mixture to infuse citrus aroma and nutty crunch.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, blending until the dough starts coming together. Handle the dough gently without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Form cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten and add indentation: Gently press each ball down with your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center for the jam.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale.
- Cool slightly and add jam: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then spoon a small amount of your chosen jam into the indentation of each cookie.
- Sprinkle sugars: Lightly sprinkle granulated sugar and sparkling white sugar over the jam and around the edges of the cookies to add a shimmering crunch.
- Cool completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans depending on your preference.
- Use homemade jam or a high-quality store-bought jam for the best flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a festive touch, try colored sparkling sugar or add a little vanilla extract to the dough.
- Make sure butter is at room temperature to ensure proper creaming and dough consistency.
