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Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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5 from 110 reviews

Delight in these festive Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies featuring a buttery, spiced orange-pecan base crowned with a dollop of vibrant plum jam and a sparkling sugar topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, tender treat with a hint of citrus and spice.

Ingredients

Orange-Pecan Spice Shortbread Cookies

  • 2½ cups all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1½ tablespoons freshly grated orange zest
  • 1 cup room temperature, salted butter, cut into small pieces

Jam & Sparkling Sugar Topping

  • Homemade or prepared jam (plum, raspberry, or strawberry), about ½ cup
  • Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
  • Sparkling white sugar (such as Wilton’s), for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until well combined. Stir in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the salted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Orange Zest: Mix the freshly grated orange zest into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  5. Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  6. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass or your palm.
  7. Create Wells for Jam: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie for the jam.
  8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden but the centers remain pale.
  9. Add Jam and Sugar: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, fill each indentation with a small amount of jam. Sprinkle the tops around the jam with granulated sugar and sparkling white sugar for a festive shimmer.
  10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the jam set and the cookies crisp up perfectly.

Notes

  • You can substitute walnuts for pecans based on your preference or what you have on hand.
  • Use room temperature butter for the best creaming results and a tender crumb.
  • Fresh orange zest adds a bright citrus flavor; avoid the bitter white pith.
  • Choose your favorite jam flavor—plum adds a classic holiday fruitiness, but raspberry or strawberry also complement the spices nicely.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some edible glitter or colored sugar after adding the jam.

Find it online: https://alinacooks.com/sugar-plum-shortbread-cookies-recipe/