Indulge in the festive charm of Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery richness and fruity sweetness. These cookies evoke warm memories of holiday baking with their tender crumb and vibrant bursts of jam.
The addition of warm spices, nuts, and zesty orange elevates the classic shortbread into a sophisticated treat ideal for sharing or gifting.
- Delicate crumbly texture complemented by a sweet, tangy jam topping
- Hints of warm cinnamon, cloves, and bright orange zest for layered flavors
- Nutty crunch from pecans enhances each bite beautifully
- Simple to prepare with a stunning presentation
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy base for the shortbread, creating a tender and crumbly texture essential for these cookies.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that harmonizes with the sweetness of the jam and richness of the nuts.
- Ground cloves: Contributes a deep and aromatic spice undertone, enhancing the holiday-inspired flavor profile.
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts: Imparts a buttery, nutty crunch that balances the soft cookie and jam topping.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while aiding in slight caramelization and crisp edges during baking.
- Freshly grated orange zest: Brightens the cookies with citrus aroma and a fresh, zesty lift.
- Salted butter, room temperature: Provides richness and a smooth, creamy texture, crucial for tender shortbread.
- Jam (plum, raspberry, or strawberry): Offers a sweet, fruity topping that complements the buttery cookie, adding vibrant color and flavor.
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling: Adds a subtle crunch and sparkling appearance after baking.
- Sparkling white sugar: Enhances visual appeal with a festive shimmer and additional sweetness.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 163ºC (325ºF) to ensure consistent baking temperature. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, chopped pecans or walnuts, granulated sugar, and freshly grated orange zest. This even blend delivers uniform flavor and texture throughout the dough.
- Incorporate Butter Into Dry Mix
Using a pastry blender or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low, cut the softened butter into the dry mixture until it resembles fine crumbs that begin to stick together. This method ensures tender, flaky shortbread results.
- Form and Roll the Dough
Turn the crumbly dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just until it forms a cohesive ball. Flatten it into a compact disk, then roll out evenly to about 1.25 cm thickness. This uniform thickness aids in even baking.
- Cut Dough Into Shapes and Arrange
Use your preferred cookie cutters to shape the dough, then place the cut pieces about 5 cm apart on the prepared sheets. This spacing prevents the cookies from sticking as they expand slightly in the oven.
- Apply Jam Topping
With a small pastry brush or spoon, spread a thin layer of jam onto each cookie, leaving a small border around edges to prevent the jam from spilling over during baking. This layer adds luscious flavor without sogginess.
- Bake Until Golden and Set
Position the baking sheets on the center rack and bake for 18–22 minutes. Look for lightly browned edges and set centers as signs the cookies are perfectly cooked.
- Sprinkle Sugars and Cool
Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle granulated sugar followed by sparkling white sugar over the warm cookies. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets to set the texture and toppings.
- Room temperature butter ensures smooth blending with dry ingredients for optimal dough texture.
- Adjust jam flavors to your preference; plum, raspberry, and strawberry create delightful variations.
- The cookies keep well stored in an airtight container for up to one week, retaining freshness.
Storage Tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep the texture tender and the jam fresh. Avoid refrigeration to prevent the shortbread from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine for cozy afternoons. They also make elegant additions to holiday cookie platters or gift boxes.
- For evenly baked cookies, rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking.
- Use finely chopped nuts to distribute crunch evenly throughout the dough.
- Rolling dough between two sheets of parchment paper can help avoid sticking and ease rolling.
FAQs
- Can I use salted or unsalted butter?
Salted butter is used here for flavor balance; if using unsalted, add a pinch of salt to the dough.
- Can I substitute nuts or omit them?
You can replace pecans with walnuts or almonds, or omit nuts entirely for a smoother texture.
- What storage container is best for these cookies?
An airtight container at room temperature maintains the cookies’ freshness and tenderness.
- Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
This dough can be baked immediately; chilling is optional but can help firm the dough for cleaner cuts.
- Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, freeze cooled cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- What other jams work well as toppings?
Apricot, blueberry, and blackberry jams are excellent choices for variation and complement the spices.
- How can I make prettier cookie shapes?
Chill the dough slightly before cutting; use finely detailed cookie cutters for sharper designs.
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Equipment
- 2 baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- 1 pastry blender or stand mixer with paddle attachment
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 cookie cutter
- 1 small pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest
- 1 cup 2 sticks salted butter, room temperature, cut into small pieces
- Jam plum, raspberry, or strawberry for topping
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
- Sparkling white sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325ºF (163ºC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, cloves, chopped nuts, granulated sugar, and orange zest until evenly mixed.
- Use a pastry blender or stand mixer on low speed to cut butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles fine crumbs that begin to stick together.
- Turn dough onto a work surface and gently knead until smooth. Flatten dough into a disk.
- Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Using a small pastry brush, lightly spread a thin layer of jam on each cookie, leaving edges clear to prevent overflow.
- Bake cookies in the center of the oven for 18 to 22 minutes, until edges are lightly browned and centers are set.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with granulated sugar and then sparkling white sugar.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- Try different jam flavors to customize the topping.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
