I made these Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies while trying to come up with something a little different for the holidays, and they turned out even prettier than I expected. Between the sparkling pink sugar, fruity plum filling, and swirls of buttercream, they looked almost too pretty to serve. Thankfully, they tasted just as good, so I couldn’t wait to share the recipe with you.
The cookies are soft and buttery with warm baking spices, a sweet plum jam center, and a smooth berry plum buttercream that brings everything together. They’re a fun addition to holiday cookie trays, dessert tables, or homemade gift boxes. If you’re planning more holiday baking, you’ll also enjoy the Biscoff Butter Cookies and Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies.
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
Notes
- Press Even Indentations: Make a shallow well in each cookie before baking so the filling stays neatly in place.
- Cool Before Decorating: Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the jam and buttercream.
- Pipe Decorative Swirls: Use a star piping tip for a festive bakery-style finish.
- Display on Holiday Platters: These colorful cookies make a beautiful centerpiece for holiday dessert tables and cookie exchanges.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 275 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 48 mg |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Potassium | 60 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Calcium | 20 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Holiday baking is always more memorable when there’s a recipe that brings both beautiful presentation and homemade flavor to the table. These Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies do exactly that with their warm spices, fruity plum filling, and elegant buttercream finish. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering, gifting them to friends, or adding something new to your annual cookie tradition, they’re a recipe you’ll enjoy making year after year.
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.