You made these?” was honestly the first thought that crossed my mind when I saw them sitting on the counter. 💗
They were pink, sparkly, swirly, and just a little dramatic. Definitely not the kind of cookie that quietly blends into the dessert table.They’d fit right in with all the fun of holiday baking.
I picked one up and broke it in half because, apparently, I can never leave a filled cookie alone. Inside was a soft orange-spiced cookie with a little pocket of plum jam and a generous swirl of berry-plum buttercream.
And honestly…..that little jam-filled center was the part I didn’t expect to love as much as I did. 😍
Orange, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and clove give the cookie a warm spiced flavor, while the fruit adds just enough sweetness to keep each bite from feeling too heavy.
Pretty pink edges, jam-filled centers, and a buttery buttercream swirl…..these cookies definitely didn’t come here to be subtle.
If you’re planning more holiday baking, you’ll also enjoy the Biscoff Butter Cookies and Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies.
What Makes These Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies Special?
I think it’s the combination of the soft spiced cookie, fruity plum center, and creamy buttercream that makes these feel so different from a regular holiday cookie.
The cookie has orange zest along with cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves, so there’s plenty of flavor even before you add the filling and topping.
Then you get the plum jam in the center and that berry-plum buttercream around it. Each part has its own job, but they all work together without making the cookie feel too heavy.
And, of course, there’s the pink sparkling sugar. That’s what gives them their little bit of holiday drama.
A Few Notes From My Kitchen
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter for both the cookies and buttercream is softened so it beats smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves give the cookie its warm spiced flavor, so the combination is what makes these different from a basic sugar cookie.
- Cool the Cookies Completely: Let the cookies cool completely before adding the plum jam and buttercream. Otherwise, the buttercream may not hold its shape.
- Make the Indentation Before Baking: Gently press the center of each dough ball after coating it with sparkling sugar. This creates the little space for the plum jam later.
- Keep the Buttercream Smooth: Beat the buttercream until it becomes light and evenly combined so it is easier to pipe into a neat swirl.
That Little Plum Center
The plum jam is probably my favorite little surprise in these cookies.
I like that you don’t need much of it. A small spoonful sits right in the center and gives you that fruity sweetness without taking over the spiced cookie.
It’s also the part you don’t really see until you bite into one…..which makes that first bite a little more fun.
Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold everything together until a soft cookie dough forms with no dry flour remaining.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for the buttercream until creamy.
- Add the icing sugar and mix until smooth.
- Add the salt and plum jam, then mix until fully incorporated.
- Pour in the heavy cream.
- Beat until the buttercream is light, smooth, and evenly combined.
- Scoop portions of cookie dough, roll them into balls, coat them in the pink sparkling sugar, and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press the center of each cookie to create an indentation.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely.
- Spoon a small amount of plum jam into the center indentation of each cooled cookie.
- Pipe the berry plum buttercream around the jam-filled center in a decorative swirl.
- Finish with an extra drizzle or swirl of plum jam over the buttercream, if desired, then serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!That Sparkly Finish Makes a Difference
Honestly, decorating these is probably my favorite part. There’s something satisfying about filling each little center with plum jam, piping the buttercream around it, and then finishing everything with another little swirl of jam.
I also wouldn’t skip the pink sparkling sugar. It gives the cookies a little crunch around the edges and adds that pretty finish before you even get to the buttercream.
Once everything comes together, you get a soft spiced cookie, sparkling sugar, fruity plum jam, and creamy buttercream in every bite.
Easy Ways to Change Things Up
- Try a Different Jam: Use raspberry or strawberry jam if you don’t have plum jam on hand.
- Change the Sparkling Sugar: Use white, gold, or red sparkling sugar for a different holiday look.
- Add More Orange: Add a little extra orange zest to the buttercream for a stronger citrus note.
- Make Smaller Cookies: Scoop smaller portions for bite-sized cookies that work nicely on a dessert platter.
- Try a Two-Tone Swirl: If you’re decorating for a party, pipe two buttercream colors together for a more decorative finish.
Soft spiced cookies dressed up with sparkling sugar, creamy swirls, and a little plum drizzle.
How to Store Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies
- Room Temperature: Keep the decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: For best results, freeze the baked cookies before decorating. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did my cookies turn out hard instead of soft?
Overbaking can make cookies firmer than intended. Bake them only until the edges are lightly golden, then let them cool completely before decorating. - Why is my plum jam running off the buttercream?
If the jam is too loose, it can spread over the buttercream instead of staying in place. A thicker jam will be easier to drizzle and control. - Why is my buttercream not holding its shape?
If the buttercream is too soft, the swirl may lose its shape. Make sure the butter is softened rather than melted, and beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and light. - Why are my cookies cracking when I make the center indentation?
Press the center gently rather than pushing too deeply. A light indentation is enough to hold the plum jam after baking. - Can I make these cookies smaller for a Christmas cookie platter?
Yes. Smaller cookies can work well for a cookie platter, but keep an eye on the baking time since smaller portions will bake faster than the 10–12 minutes given in the recipe.
If you’ve made these Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Don’t forget to leave a rating and share your thoughts in the comments 💌 below.
I’ve always found joy in the kitchen. Since I was seven, cooking has been my favorite way to learn, create, and unwind. From baking sweet treats to exploring global flavors and brewing coffee, I’m always chasing my next delicious discovery.