Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies: 10 Min Bliss

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Sugar plum shortbread cookies have been my go-to festive treat ever since I discovered how simple they are to make. I remember my grandmother baking these every Christmas, filling her kitchen with the sweet, buttery aroma that instantly made everything feel magical. The crumbly texture of the shortbread paired with the sweet, slightly tart burst of sugar plum jam is pure bliss. They’re so elegant, yet incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for holiday cookie plates or just a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee. If you’re looking for a homemade hazelnut coffee cake recipe to impress, these cookies are a fantastic starting point for holiday baking inspiration! Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

These delightful cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a little bite of holiday magic. You’ll adore them because:

They have a wonderfully buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that shortbread is famous for.
The sweet and slightly tart sugar plum jam filling adds a burst of festive flavor.
They look absolutely beautiful on any holiday dessert table or cookie platter.
Making them is surprisingly simple, making them a perfect easy hazelnut espresso cake-inspired project for busy bakers.
The combination of classic shortbread with fruity jam is a delightful contrast.
They evoke cozy winter vibes and holiday cheer with every bite.
As a great alternative to a more involved hazelnut mocha cake, these are quick and satisfying.
They’re perfect for sharing at cookie exchanges or gifting to loved ones.

Ingredients for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive cookies. Just like a classic hazelnut coffee cake recipe relies on quality ingredients, these shortbread cookies shine with simple, good staples.

1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened – This is key for that signature tender and crumbly shortbread texture.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar – For sweetness and to help create a beautiful golden hue.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors and adds a warm aroma.
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour – The base of our shortbread, providing structure.
1/2 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the butter flavor.
1/2 cup (120ml) plum jam or sugar plum preserves – The star filling, offering a delightful fruity contrast to the rich shortbread.
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting – Adds a pretty, snowy finish reminiscent of winter.

How to Make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas! Making these cookies is a joy, and the results are simply divine. They’re almost as satisfying to bake as a wonderfully moist hazelnut espresso cake!

Step 1: Make the Dough
First things first, let’s get that dough ready. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, mix in the pure vanilla extract. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just combined. You want a soft dough that holds together nicely, much like the base for a great hazelnut mocha cake. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Now, take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place these dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Using your thumb, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. This little well will hold our delicious jam filling, similar to how a filling might sit in an espresso hazelnut cake.

Step 3: Add Filling
This is where the festive magic happens! Spoon or pipe about 1/2 teaspoon of plum jam or sugar plum preserves into each thumbprint indentation. Make sure not to overfill, or it might bubble over during baking. The vibrant color of the jam peeking out is so inviting!
Step 4: Bake
Pop those cookies into your preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. The house will start to smell absolutely heavenly! Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set up a bit. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crumbly texture, just like a well-made hazelnut espresso bundt cake.

Step 5: Finish
Once the cookies are completely cool, you can dust them with a little powdered sugar if you like. This gives them a beautiful, snowy appearance, perfect for the holidays. They’re ready to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, or packed for gifting. Enjoy your homemade festive treats!

Pro Tips for the Best Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make these cookies truly exceptional. Follow these tips for guaranteed success, just like you would for a tricky espresso hazelnut cake!

Use good quality plum jam for the best flavor. A homemade or artisanal preserve makes a big difference.
Chill your dough if your kitchen is warm. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and keeps their shape beautifully.
Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaked edges will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet, ensuring a tender cookie.
For an extra festive touch, a sprinkle of edible glitter or finely chopped pistachios on the jam before baking can be lovely.

What’s the secret to perfect Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies?

The magic lies in using softened, not melted, butter and not overmixing the dough. This ensures that classic crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes shortbread so irresistible, much like the tenderness in a moist hazelnut espresso cake.

Can I make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. You can also bake the cookies and store them airtight for up to a week before serving. For more baking tips, check out our about page.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies?

The two biggest pitfalls are overmixing the dough, which leads to tough cookies, and overbaking, which dries them out. Always mix until just combined and watch for those lightly golden edges.

Best Ways to Serve Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

These delightful cookies are versatile and wonderful for many occasions. They’re perfect alongside a warm cup of coffee, perhaps a rich brew that complements the jam, much like you’d enjoy with a slice of moist hazelnut espresso cake. For a true holiday feel, serve them on a festive platter with other Christmas cookies or alongside a slice of fruitcake. You can find more holiday inspiration on our home page.

I also love pairing them with a creamy hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat. They’re elegant enough for a tea party or buffet, offering a lovely contrast to richer desserts. Think of them as a sweet, crumbly bite that pairs beautifully with sparkling cider or a festive mulled wine. For more recipe ideas, visit our recipes section.

Nutrition Facts for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional information for these delightful cookies, perfect for your holiday treat planning. They offer a sweet balance without being overly heavy, much like a lighter variation of a rich hazelnut espresso cake.

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 45mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. These figures help you understand the profile of these festive cookies. For more information on dietary guidelines, you can refer to resources like the MyPlate website.

How to Store and Reheat Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

Proper storage is key to keeping these festive cookies tasting their best, just like preserving the freshness of a homemade hazelnut espresso loaf cake. Once your sugar plum shortbread cookies have cooled completely on the wire rack, it’s time to put them away. Air is the enemy of crisp shortbread, so make sure to use airtight containers. For short-term storage, they’ll keep beautifully at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you’ve made a big batch and want them to last even longer, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. This way, you always have a delicious treat on hand, perfect for unexpected guests or a cozy craving, much like having a slice of easy hazelnut espresso cake ready to go. You can also reach out to us via our contact us page for any specific storage questions.

Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you prefer a slightly warmed cookie, especially from frozen, a few minutes in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) can revive them. Just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t brown further!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

Can I use other jams or preserves in these cookies?

Absolutely! While sugar plum jam is traditional and delicious, you can easily substitute other fruit preserves. Raspberry, cherry, apricot, or even fig jam work wonderfully. Think of them as a delightful alternative to a more complex hazelnut mocha cake; these cookies offer a simple yet satisfying fruity punch.

Why are my sugar plum shortbread cookies spreading too much?

Cookie spread often happens when the butter is too soft or the dough is overmixed. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted when you cream it. If your dough feels too soft, especially on a warm day, chill it for 15-20 minutes before shaping. This is a common baking tip, much like ensuring your moist hazelnut espresso cake batter is the right consistency.

How do I get that perfect shortbread texture?

The key to perfect shortbread lies in the ingredients and technique. Use good quality butter and don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added; stop as soon as it just comes together. Baking them until the edges are lightly golden, rather than deep brown, also helps maintain that tender, crumbly texture that’s so beloved, similar to the delightful crumb of a rich hazelnut espresso cake.

Can I add nuts or spices to these cookies?

You certainly can! For a festive twist, you might consider adding finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the dough, similar to how nuts enhance a coffee hazelnut cake recipe. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough can also add warmth. Just be mindful that additions might slightly alter baking time and texture.

Variations of Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies You Can Try

While these sugar plum shortbread cookies are divine as is, I love exploring different twists to keep things exciting! They’re a wonderful base for creativity, offering a simpler alternative to a complex hazelnut mocha cake. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

Lemon-Almond Shortbread: Add the zest of one lemon and 1/4 cup of finely chopped almonds to the dough for a bright, nutty flavor. This variation offers a sophisticated profile, much like an espresso hazelnut cake.
Spiced Plum Cookies: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the dough. This warm spice blend pairs beautifully with the plum jam, creating a cozy, festive cookie reminiscent of holiday baking.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You might find you need to add a tiny bit more moisture, similar to adjusting a recipe for a moist hazelnut espresso cake.
Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the tops of the cookies for a touch of decadence. This adds a lovely contrast to the sweet jam and buttery shortbread.