Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies are a festive, fruity twist on classic sugar cookies, combining tart dried cranberries, warm spices, and a hint of plum jam for extra holiday cheer. Rolled in sparkling sugar, these cookies have a beautiful glisten and a soft, chewy texture that makes them perfect for winter gatherings or as a sweet gift.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourunsalted buttergranulated sugarbrown sugarsaltbaking sodabaking powderground cinnamonground nutmegeggsvanilla extractdried cranberriesplum jam (or preserves)sparkling sugar (for rolling)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and plum jam, mixing until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Fold in the dried cranberries.

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, then roll each in sparkling sugar.

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 30 cookies.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Swap plum jam for raspberry or cherry preserves for a different fruity flavor.
Add white chocolate chips for an extra sweet touch.
Use orange zest for a citrusy note that pairs well with cranberries.
Drizzle cooled cookies with a simple icing for added decoration.

storage/reheating

Store Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To enjoy warm, reheat briefly in a microwave for 5-10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are best to avoid excess moisture, but you can use chopped fresh cranberries if patted dry.

Can I skip the sparkling sugar?
Yes, but the sugar adds a festive crunch and sparkle.

What if I don’t have plum jam?
Any berry jam or preserves will work well in this recipe.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Are these cookies very sweet?
They have a balanced sweetness with a fruity, tart note.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

Conclusion

Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies bring festive flavor and a beautiful glittering finish to your holiday cookie tray. With their sweet-tart combo and soft, chewy bite, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite that your friends and family will request year after year.

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