Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies
The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, wrapping you in a sweet embrace like a cozy winter blanket. Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are a delightful treat that brings both the magic of the holidays and the whimsical charm of the Nutcracker ballet straight to your kitchen. These lovely cookies, with their soft, chewy texture and beautiful pink hue, are more than just a festive dessert; they evoke fond memories of childhood Christmases spent baking with loved ones, donning aprons adorned with flour and a sprinkle of joy.
Table of Contents
With each bite, you’ll be transported to a dreamy land filled with spiced orange goodness and a luscious plum jam surprise nestled within. The playful pink sparkling sugar coating adds just the right sparkle, making these cookies not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. So why not roll up your sleeves and whip up a batch of Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies this holiday season? You’ll not only fill your home with enchanting aromas, but you’ll also share a sweet moment with friends and family that they won’t soon forget.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of baking time, these cookies will be ready to delight in no time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warming spices and sweet plum makes for a cookie that melts in your mouth.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Those sparkling pink sugars and fluffy frosting? They look as good as they taste!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a fun cookie to swap with friends!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free requirements with the right flour substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): Essential for structure, use spooned and leveled flour to avoid dense cookies.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise for a light, airy texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Aids in browning and gives the cookies a chewy bite.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors in the cookie.
- Ground cardamom (1 tsp): Adds a unique warmth; this can be substituted with allspice if needed.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): A must-have for a classic holiday flavor.
- Ground cloves (1/4 tsp): Offers depth and a hint of spice, easily swapped for nutmeg.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Enhances the cozy baking spice profile.
- Granulated white sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and contributes to a lovely crisp edge.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, very softened): Provides richness; do not substitute with cold butter for best texture.
- Egg (1, at room temperature): Binds the ingredients and helps create a uniform texture.
- Vanilla bean paste (1 tbsp): For a rich vanilla flavor; vanilla extract is a suitable substitute.
- Orange zest (1 tsp): Brightens the flavor profile with a fresh zing.
- Plum jam (~1/4 cup, cold): The delicious surprise inside; any good-quality jam will work.
- Pink sparkling sugar (1/2 cup): Adds whimsical glitter, perfect for holiday flair.
- Freeze-dried berries (heaping 1/2 cup): Provides natural berry flavor; you can use raspberries, strawberries, or a mix.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened) for frosting: Keeps the frosting creamy and smooth.
- Salt (1/8 tsp): A hint of salt in the frosting balances the sweetness.
- Plum jam (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp): This enhances the berry flavor in the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the right texture.
- Heavy cream (3-4 tbsp): Adjusts consistency for piping; milk can be an alternative.
- Pink sprinkles: For decorating and adding that finishing touch of fun.
How to Make Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Having your workspace ready sets the stage for your cookie drama—trust me, it helps everything run smoothly during the busy baking process!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until well mixed. This step ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your cookies that delightful spiced flavor. Set your dry mixture aside for a moment while you assemble your wet ingredients.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the very softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on high speed. After 1-2 minutes, the mixture should be light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla bean paste, and orange zest, mixing until everything is fully incorporated and pale in color—about 1-2 minutes. You want a soft, creamy base for your cookies that just whispers of deliciousness with each stir!
Fold Together Gently: Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears. It’s okay if the dough is still slightly sticky; that’s just part of the magic!
Fill and Form: Scoop the dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop. Flatten the dough slightly, then place about 1/2 teaspoon of cold plum jam in the center. Carefully fold the dough back over the jam, pinching the edges to seal it shut. It’s like a cozy hug for that sweet surprise! Roll the filled dough ball in pink sparkling sugar until covered. Aim for a lovely surface that glistens in the light.
Shape and Bake: Place the cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Give each one a gentle flattening, shaping them into rounds while ensuring the jam doesn’t escape. Bake 6-8 cookies at a time for 9-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The wafting warmth filling your kitchen will be enough to make anyone’s heart sing!
Prepare the Frosting: As your cookies cool, get started with the blissful berry plum buttercream frosting. Combine freeze-dried berries in a food processor and pulse them into a fine powder. Sift through a small sieve to remove larger seeds, leaving roughly 2 tablespoons of berry powder for a burst of fruity flavor.
Whip It Up: In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter and salt using an electric mixer until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Mix in the plum jam and the prepared berry powder until well combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing on low speed until just combined, then switch to high speed to achieve a light and fluffy consistency. It should be the kind of frosting you can’t resist sampling!
Decorate and Enjoy: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip (I recommend using a Wilton 2D tip for a lovely star effect). Once your cookies are fully cooled, pipe the frosting onto each round of whimsical sweetness. Add your festive pink sprinkles on top for that extra holiday sparkle, because who doesn’t love a bit of pizzazz on their cookies?
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them into the fridge for about a week—but be sure they’re in a tightly sealed container to avoid drying out. You can freeze them for up to three months! When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven for a few minutes—it’ll bring back that fresh-baked goodness. Do keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but that will only make them more delightfully chewy!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature; it should be soft but not melting, which is crucial for a well-creamed mixture.
- Avoid overworking your dough after adding dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies. Mix just until there are no visible flour streaks!
- For a less sweet frosting, adjust the amount of powdered sugar according to your taste preference.
- Give your jam a quick stir before using it for easier filling; this allows it to spread more easily in the cookie.
- If you don’t have freeze-dried berries, feel free to leave them out or swap for store-bought berry powder.
- These cookies can easily be made a day in advance—just frost the morning of your event for a fresher taste.
The combination of enchanting flavors, stunning visuals, and the story behind Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies makes them an occasion-ready treat. Let your imagination soar as you bake these delightful cookies, exploring new textures and flavors as you whirl through your holiday celebrations. Enjoy every bite, every sprinkle, and the joy they bring to your festive gatherings!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different jams for filling?
Absolutely! While the plum jam adds a lovely touch, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry or apricot. Each variation will bring a unique twist to your cookies, but keep in mind that the flavor should harmonize with the spices in the cookie.
What can I do with leftover frosting?
You can store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Depending on how much you have, it’s perfect for topping cupcakes or enjoying straight from the bowl—no one will blame you!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies can be baked in advance and stored as mentioned. You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough). Just shape the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Store them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much during baking, it’s often due to melted or overly soft butter. Ensure your butter is at the right temperature (soft but not melted) before creaming. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes in the fridge before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
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📖 Recipe Card
Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are a magical treat that combines soft, chewy texture with spiced orange flavor and a sweet plum jam center. Perfect for sharing during the holidays!
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, cold
- 1/2 cup pink sparkling sugar
- heaping 1/2 cup freeze-dried berries
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp plum jam
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp heavy cream
- pink sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, then add egg, vanilla, and orange zest, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet and mix just until combined; the dough may be slightly sticky.
- Scoop dough, flatten it, and place 1/2 tsp of plum jam in the center. Fold dough over and seal.
- Roll each filled ball in pink sparkling sugar, place on baking sheets, and flatten lightly before baking.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
- Prepare frosting by blending freeze-dried berries into a powder and mixing with softened butter, salt, plum jam, powdered sugar, and cream.
- Pipe frosting on cooled cookies and add pink sprinkles.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to five days at room temperature.
For longer storage, freeze cookies or unbaked dough for up to three months.
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
