Have you ever wondered what it feels like to indulge in a whimsical treat that captures the essence of holiday magic? Enter the enchanting world of Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies! These delightful confections bring together comforting spices and sweet flavors, making them a must-have for festive gatherings. Each bite is a dance of joy, reminiscent of childhood tales and winter wonders that inspire warmth and nostalgia.
Moreover, Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies, adorned with a sprinkle of sparkles and a dash of creativity, are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make. As you whip up a batch, your kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with irresistible aromas. So, gather your loved ones and dive into this delectable recipe, perfect for sharing and celebrating the joy of the season!
Delightful Flavors of Holiday Baking:
The enchanting holiday season invites a sprinkling of magic into our kitchens, and nothing exemplifies this spirit better than Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies. These delightful treats blend festive flavors with a soft, buttery texture, making them an ideal companion for cozy gatherings and joyous celebrations. With hints of vanilla and nutmeg, each cookie embodies the warmth and cheer of the holidays.
To elevate your baking experience, consider pairing these cookies with other seasonal favorites. For instance, you could bake a batch of Christmas Sugar Cookies adorned with icing, adding a colorful and decorative touch to your cookie platter. Moreover, the delightful flavors of Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies can be complemented by a glass of spiced cider or a warm cup of cocoa.
Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are sure to delight. These cookies are not just a snack, but a holiday tradition worth sharing with family and friends alike.
Ingredients for Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies:
Delightful and festive, Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are perfect for any celebration. Here’s a simple list of ingredients you’ll need to bring these sweet treats to life:
- 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 (recommended: Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam)
- 1/2 cup pink sparkling sugar
Berry Plum Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- Heaping 1/2 cup (15 g) freeze-dried berries (your choice: strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (105 g) plum jam (again, Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam works best)
- 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp (45-60 ml) heavy cream
- Pink sprinkles for a festive touch
Looking for another delicious cookie option? Check out the Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing. They are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie tray!
How to Prepare Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies:
To prepare Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg for a warm spice blend. In another bowl, cream 1 cup of very softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy.
Incorporate one egg, 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, forming a dough. Create small balls, then make an indent in the center perfect for a teaspoon of cold plum jam. Roll the cookies in pink sparkling sugar before baking for about 10-12 minutes. For a festive twist, try pairing these cookies with Christmas Sugar Cookies. To top them off, whip up a berry plum buttercream frosting using freeze-dried berries, butter, and an extravagant splash of heavy cream. For detailed cookie inspiration, visit In Bloom Bakery. Enjoy these delightful cookies that capture the essence of holiday magic!
Decorating Ideas for Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies:
Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are delightful treats that can become a canvas for your creativity. To make them even more enchanting, consider using vibrant icing colors and edible glitter. Start by icing your cookies with a base layer of pastel colors; lavender, mint green, and baby pink will invoke a whimsical feel. After the icing dries, add intricate designs using royal icing or piping bags. Snowflakes, stars, and twinkling fairy dust patterns are perfect for a magical touch.
Additionally, sprinkle edible glitter or sugar crystals on top to mimic fairy magic. You can also incorporate themed sprinkles that fit the whimsical concept of these cookies. For more decoration techniques, check out our festive easy Christmas sugar cookies recipe. These ideas will not only beautify your Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies but also make them a centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
Storage Tips for Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies:
To keep your Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies fresh and flavorful, proper storage is essential. First, allow the cookies to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, stack them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. This method keeps their delightful texture intact. Store the container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
If you plan to keep the cookies longer, freezing is a great option. Freeze them in single layers on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag once solid. This way, you can enjoy them for up to three months. When it’s time to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
For more festive ideas, check out our Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe for delightful variations that will elevate your holiday baking!
Variations and Customizations:
Elevate your Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies by experimenting with unique additions! Consider incorporating dried fruits like cherries or cranberries for a chewy texture. You can also mix in chopped nuts or switch up the sprinkles for a festive touch. For more options, try these delightful white chocolate raspberry cookies for an enticing twist on flavor. Enjoy creating your perfect version!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies?
Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are delightful treats featuring a blend of rich flavors and colorful decorations. They often combine buttery dough with festive spices and are a perfect addition to holiday gatherings. The cookies are inspired by the classic ballet “The Nutcracker,” celebrated for conveying a sense of whimsy and joy.
How can I decorate Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies?
To decorate these enchanting cookies, consider using royal icing for intricate designs. Additionally, colorful sprinkles or edible glitter can add a magical touch. For more icing techniques, explore our Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing to make your cookies visually appealing.
Can I make Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies in advance?
Absolutely! These cookies can be made a few days in advance. Once baked, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This allows you to enjoy leisurely cookie decorating without the last-minute rush during the holidays.
What flavors pair well with Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies?
These cookies shine with flavors like almond extract, vanilla, and a hint of nutmeg. Additionally, pairing them with complementary flavors such as spiced tea or warm cider can elevate the overall holiday experience.
Are Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, they make fantastic gifts! Pack them in decorative boxes or tins for a festive presentation. Their whimsical design and delightful taste will surely delight those who receive them, perfect for sharing holiday cheer.
Can I customize my Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies?
Absolutely! You can tweak the recipe to include your favorite spices, nuts, or dried fruits. Additionally, feel free to experiment with the icing and toppings to make them your own. Enjoy the process of creating a unique version of these darling cookies!
Print
Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Delight
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the whimsical flavors of the Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies, a delightful treat infused with warm spices and a luscious plum jam center, topped with a luscious berry-infused buttercream frosting.
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
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 a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla bean paste, and orange zest until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, and use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill each indentation with plum jam and sprinkle pink sparkling sugar over each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, blend the freeze-dried berries into a fine powder.
- Beat the softened butter until creamy, then add the berry powder, plum jam, powdered sugar, and salt, continuing to mix until fluffy.
- Adjust the consistency with heavy cream as needed.
- Frost the cooled cookies and top with pink sprinkles.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to mix different freeze-dried berries in the buttercream. The dough can be made ahead and chilled in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats, sugar cookies, plum jam cookies