Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Customizable: Swap out dried fruits to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Gifting: Their beautiful appearance and delicious flavor make them a wonderful homemade gift.
- Festive: These cookies bring a touch of holiday charm to any dessert table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, or dried plums), finely chopped
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding in the chopped dried fruit until fully combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with a fork or your hands.
- Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Fruit Mix: Use a blend of dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or cherries for added color and taste.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: If desired, warm cookies slightly in a low-temperature oven (300°F/150°C) for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the cookies.
2. What other extracts can I use instead of vanilla?
Almond or orange extract can be excellent substitutes for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Dried fruit is recommended as fresh fruit adds moisture, which can affect the texture of the cookies.
4. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No, chilling is not required for this recipe, making it quick and easy to prepare.
5. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the butter is softened but not melted, and measure your flour accurately.
7. What is the purpose of coarse sugar on top?
It adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sparkle to the cookies.
8. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
9. How do I finely chop dried fruit easily?
Lightly coat your knife with a bit of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking while chopping.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for gatherings or gifting.
Conclusion
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are a festive and versatile treat that will delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones. With their buttery base, bursts of dried fruit, and a sparkling sugar topping, they’re as visually appealing as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are festive, buttery treats with chopped dried fruits and a sparkling sugar topping, perfect for holidays or gifting. Easy, customizable, and irresistible!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, currants, or dried plums), finely chopped
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour and salt in a bowl.
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, folding in the chopped dried fruit.
- Roll dough into small balls, flatten gently, and place on the prepared sheet.
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use a mix of dried fruits for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday, American
