Name: Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies: Irresistibly Sweet and Dreamy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all purpose flour; spooned and leveled; 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 (200 g) granulated white sugar; 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter; very softened; 1 egg; at room temperature; 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste; 1 tsp orange zest; ~1/4 cup (~70 g) plum jam; cold; (I used Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam); 1/2 cup pink sparkling sugar; heaping 1/2 cup (15 g) freeze dried berries; (strawberries; raspberries or blackberries; or combination of all); 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter; softened; 1/8 tsp salt; 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (105 g) plum jam; (I used Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam); 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar

If you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy to your baking repertoire, then Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are the perfect treat for you! These enchanting cookies capture the essence of holiday joy with their beautiful colors and delightful flavors. Inspired by the beloved ballet, each bite transports you to a magical world, making them an ideal choice for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Moreover, these charming treats aren’t just pleasing to the eye; they also tantalize your taste buds. With a delightful combination of seasonal spices and sweet notes, Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies offer a unique twist on classic holiday treats. So, gather your favorite ingredients, unleash your creativity, and watch as these delightful cookies become the star of your dessert table!

Ingredients for Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies:

To create delightful Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies, gather the following precise ingredients:

– 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
– 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 (200 g) granulated white sugar
– 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
– 1 tsp orange zest
– ~1/4 cup (~70 g) plum jam, cold (I recommend Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam)
– 1/2 cup pink sparkling sugar

For the Berry Plum Buttercream Frosting, you will also need:
– A heaping 1/2 cup (15 g) freeze-dried berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a mix)
– 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/8 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (105 g) plum jam (again, try Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam)
– 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
– 3-4 tbsp (45-60 ml) heavy cream
– Pink sprinkles for a finishing touch

As you embark on this baking adventure, consider checking out these irresistible cranberry orange cookies for another delightful recipe to try! Enjoy crafting these enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies that are sure to dazzle your taste buds!

How to prepare Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies:

To create delightful Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whisk until evenly mixed.

In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated white sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the egg, vanilla bean paste, and orange zest, mixing until combined. Now, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, blending until a dough forms.

Chill the dough briefly, then scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add a dollop of cold plum jam to the center of each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Once cooled, roll the cookies in pink sparkling sugar for a festive touch.

Berry Plum Buttercream Frosting

For the creamy icing, blend freeze-dried berries with softened butter and salt. Mix in plum jam and powdered sugar, adjusting with heavy cream for consistency. Finally, top the cooled cookies with this luscious frosting and scatter some pink sprinkles for an added pop!

These charming cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. If you’re in the mood for more delightful treats, check out Irresistible Cranberry Orange Cookies for an extra sweet option!

Tips for Perfecting Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies:

Creating delightful Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies requires attention to detail. Start with room temperature ingredients, as this helps achieve a creamier dough. For a festive aroma, consider adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg. When mixing your dough, avoid overworking it to keep your cookies soft and tender. Chilling the dough is crucial—let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step firms the dough, making it easier to shape and preventing spreading during baking.

Additionally, experiment with flavors by incorporating dried fruits or nuts, reminiscent of flavors found in other holiday treats like Irresistible Cranberry-Orange Cookies. For decorating, dust your cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze for a beautiful finish. When in doubt, refer to expert recipes, such as those found at In Bloom Bakery, to ensure perfection in your baking endeavors.

Creative Variations of Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies:

When crafting your delightful Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies, consider adding unique twists to elevate flavor and excitement. One popular variation is to incorporate different spices. Instead of the traditional cinnamon, try adding ginger or nutmeg for a bold aroma. You can also experiment with fruit, like dried cherries or apricots, to enhance the sweetness and chewiness of your cookies.

Another wonderful option is to infuse your dough with citrus zest, such as lemon or orange. This brightens the overall taste and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich sugar flavors. For those who enjoy a little crunch, consider mixing in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, which not only add texture but also elevate the nutritional value.

Additionally, you might want to explore the delightful flavor profile of Irresistible Cranberry Orange Cookies. By merging some elements, you can create a unique fusion that constantly surprises the palate. These variations keep your Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies exciting and enjoyable throughout the holiday season!

Serving Suggestions for Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies:

When serving Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies, create a delightful presentation to enhance their charm. First, consider arranging them on a festive platter adorned with seasonal decorations, such as holly or fairy lights. These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or a warm glass of milk, offering a comforting balance to their sweet flavor.

For a unique twist, you might serve these delightful treats alongside Irresistible Cranberry Orange Cookies. This combination not only adds a burst of vibrant color but also provides a wonderful flavor contrast.

Additionally, you could dust your Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or top them with a drizzle of icing. They make a lovely gift when packaged in decorative bags or boxes, bringing joy to friends and family during the holiday season. Enjoy your magical cookie experience!

Storage tips for Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies:

To keep your delightful Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer preservation, consider freezing them; just layer them between wax paper and seal in a freezer-safe bag. If you enjoy unique flavors, check out these irresistible cranberry-orange cookies for a fun alternative!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What are Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies?

Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are delightful treats inspired by the whimsical and cozy flavors of the season. These cookies combine the essence of dried fruits and nuts, creating a sweet and nutty flavor profile that evokes the charm of holiday gatherings.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies?

Absolutely! You can swap ingredients to suit your taste. For instance, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nutty flavor or replace the dried fruits with your favorite additions such as chocolate chips, similar to options found in other cookie recipes.

How should I store Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies?

To retain their freshness, Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months for longer-lasting enjoyment.

Are there any gluten-free options for Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies?

Definitely! By using gluten-free flour blends in place of regular flour, you can easily make gluten-free Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies without losing any of their deliciousness.

What’s the best way to decorate Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies?

Decorate your Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a festive touch. Edible glitter or sprinkles can enhance the holiday spirit!

Can I find similar cookie recipes?

Yes! For those interested in other delectable cookie recipes, you might enjoy checking out Irresistible Cranberry-Orange Cookies, which also boast unique flavors combining fruit and spices—perfect for any occasion!

Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies: Irresistibly Sweet and Dreamy

Total Time: 50
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, infused with warm spices and a touch of plum jam. Topped with berry plum buttercream frosting and sparkling sugar, they’re perfect for festive celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

2 3/4 cups (344 g) all purpose flour

spooned and leveled

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 (200 g) granulated white sugar

1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter

very softened

1 egg

at room temperature

1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

1 tsp orange zest

~1/4 cup (~70 g) plum jam

cold

(I used Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam)

1/2 cup pink sparkling sugar

heaping 1/2 cup (15 g) freeze dried berries

(strawberries

raspberries or blackberries

or combination of all)

1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter

softened

1/8 tsp salt

1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (105 g) plum jam

(I used Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam)

2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar

3–4 tbsp (45–60 ml) heavy cream

pink sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, cream together granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla bean paste, and orange zest until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Scoop out dough and place on the prepared baking sheet; make an indentation in the center of each cookie and fill with plum jam.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool.
For the frosting, blend freeze-dried berries until powdered, then mix with butter, salt, plum jam, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Add heavy cream to reach desired consistency. Frost cooled cookies and decorate with pink sprinkles.