Sugar Plums

Easy, delicious, and festive, these Sugar Plums are a unique treat to make this holiday season! With dried fruit, warming spices, and a sugary crunch, these will get you in the holiday spirit. Perfect for gatherings or as a delightful homemade gift, these treats combine convenience with flavor, making them a standout addition to your holiday repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: These Sugar Plums come together in just 15 minutes, making them an easy festive treat.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of dried fruits and warm spices creates a delightful taste that captures the essence of the holidays.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personalized touch.
• No Baking Required: This no-bake recipe saves time and keeps your kitchen cool during busy holiday cooking.
• Healthier Indulgence: Packed with nutrients from dried fruits and nuts, these treats are a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Sugar Plums, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Cookie scoop
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool makes chopping the dried fruit and nuts quick and easy, ensuring a fine consistency for your mixture.
• Cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop allows for uniform shapes, giving your Sugar Plums an appealing look.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that each ingredient contributes perfectly to the flavor profile of your treat.

Ingredients

Dried Fruits

• 1/2 cup prunes, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dried apricots or dates, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Nuts

• 1/2 cup toasted, unsalted almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted, unsalted pecans, chopped

Flavor Enhancers

• 2 tablespoons cherry jam
• 3/4 tsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp cardamom
• Pinch salt

Coating

• 1/2 cup coarse sugar for coating (this is the purple sugar we used)

How to Make Sugar Plums

Step 1: Toast the Nuts

Toasting enhances the flavor of your nuts. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350˚F for 6-7 minutes until fragrant. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

Chop all dried fruits finely. In a food processor:
1. Add the chopped fruits and toasted nuts.
2. Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
3. Add cherry jam, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, cardamom, and salt.
4. Pulse again until sticky.

Step 3: Shape & Coat

Using a 1 tbsp cookie scoop:
1. Portion out the mixture into balls or ovals.
2. (Optional) Use a toothpick to make an indentation on one side.
3. Roll each piece in coarse sugar until well coated.
4. (Optional) Stick a rosemary sprig in each plum as decoration.

Enjoy your homemade Sugar Plums as a festive snack or treat!

How to Serve Sugar Plums

Sugar Plums are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their unique flavor and festive appearance make them perfect for different occasions, from holiday parties to casual snacks.

As a Festive Snack

• These Sugar Plums are great for nibbling during holiday gatherings. Place them in a decorative bowl for an eye-catching centerpiece.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pairing these treats with your favorite hot beverage enhances their flavors. The sweetness of the Sugar Plums complements the bitterness of coffee or tea perfectly.

As a Gift

• Pack the Sugar Plums in colorful boxes or mason jars tied with ribbons. They make thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

On a Cheese Board

• Include Sugar Plums on a cheese board alongside soft cheeses and crackers. Their sweetness balances the savory flavors of cheese, creating a delightful contrast.

How to Perfect Sugar Plums

Making perfect Sugar Plums is easier with some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your treats turn out delicious every time.

• Choose Quality Dried Fruit: Using fresh, high-quality dried fruit will enhance the flavor and texture of your Sugar Plums.
• Toast Nuts Carefully: If you choose to toast your nuts, keep an eye on them to prevent burning. A light golden color is what you want.
• Pulse Until Sticky: When mixing ingredients in the food processor, pulse until the mixture is sticky and holds together well. This helps shape the plums easily.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Adding more cinnamon or ginger can give a nice twist.
• Coat Generously: Roll the Sugar Plums in coarse sugar until well coated for that extra festive crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Sugar Plums

Sugar Plums pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet and spicy notes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cheese Selection: A mix of creamy brie and sharp cheddar pairs well with the sugary sweetness of the plums.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with citrus and berries can balance the richness of the Sugar Plums.
3. Spiced Nuts: Offer a bowl of spiced nuts for guests who enjoy crunchy snacks alongside their sweet treats.
4. Charcuterie Board: Include assorted meats (like turkey) and cheeses to create a savory contrast next to the sweet plums.
5. Mini Scones: Serve warm mini scones for a delightful afternoon snack that complements Sugar Plums beautifully.
6. Herbed Crostini: Toasted crostini topped with ricotta and herbs offer a savory bite that balances out sweetness perfectly.
7. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a healthy side that works well with sweet treats like Sugar Plums.
8. Hot Chocolate: A cozy cup of hot chocolate acts as a great beverage option alongside these festive snacks, enhancing their flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sugar Plums is a joyous experience, but there are some common mistakes that can hinder your results.

• Skipping the nut toasting: Toasting nuts enhances their flavor. Always toast them before adding to the mixture for the best taste.
• Not chopping ingredients finely: If the dried fruits and nuts are not chopped finely, the mixture won’t hold together well. Use a food processor for even consistency.
• Using the wrong sugar: Coating Sugar Plums in coarse sugar gives them a festive look. Don’t use powdered or granulated sugar as it won’t achieve that desired texture.
• Ignoring the spice measurements: Spices add depth to your Sugar Plums. Make sure to measure carefully to avoid overpowering flavors.
• Not letting them set: Allowing your Sugar Plums to set helps them firm up and enhances their flavor. Be patient and let them chill in the refrigerator.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 1 week.

Freezing Sugar Plums

• Place in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper between them.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sugar Plums

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F and heat for about 5 minutes until slightly warm.
• Microwave: Heat one at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a non-stick pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes, turning frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sugar Plums.

What are Sugar Plums?

Sugar Plums are sweet confections made from dried fruit, nuts, and spices rolled in sugar, perfect for festive occasions.

Can I customize my Sugar Plums?

Absolutely! You can swap out dried fruits or nuts based on your preferences. Experiment with different flavors!

How do I make Sugar Plums healthier?

You can reduce the sugar coating or use unsweetened dried fruits to make a healthier version of these treats.

What can I use instead of almonds and pecans?

You can substitute any other nuts like walnuts or cashews depending on your taste preference or dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

These Sugar Plums are not only easy to make but also offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Their versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have at home. Try making them this holiday season and enjoy sharing this unique treat with friends and family!