There’s something magical about holiday baking — the warmth of the oven, the scent of butter and sugar in the air, and that first bite of a cookie that simply melts away. These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Sugar Plum Cookies capture that feeling perfectly.
Soft, buttery, and delicately flavored with a hint of almond and sweet plum preserves, these cookies feel like a nostalgic hug in dessert form. The sugar coating gives them a festive sparkle, while the tender texture practically dissolves on your tongue.
They’re elegant enough for Christmas cookie trays and simple enough for a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. One bite, and you’ll understand why these cookies are destined to become a holiday favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Sugar Plum Cookies
- Buttery, soft, and delicately sweet.
- Sparkling sugar coating adds festive flair.
- Perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, or gift boxes.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- A melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
These cookies combine old-fashioned charm with a touch of sophistication. Inspired by the flavors of classic sugar plums, they feature a buttery shortbread base and a touch of sweet fruit jam. The almond extract enhances the delicate flavor, making every bite light, aromatic, and utterly satisfying.
If you love meltaway cookies or shortbread, this recipe will be your new go-to for the holidays. They’re elegant, reliable, and bake beautifully every time — the kind of cookie that disappears as soon as you put them on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling & Finish:
- ½ cup plum jam or preserves (apricot or raspberry also work)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Optional: 1–2 drops purple or pink food coloring for a festive hue
How to Make Melt-In-Your-Mouth Sugar Plum Cookies (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy — about 2 minutes. Add almond extract and mix again.
Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Shape the cookies
Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and roll them gently between your hands. Place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Add the filling
Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of plum jam.
Step 6: Bake until set
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden. The cookies should remain pale and tender.
Step 7: Cool and roll in sugar
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll the edges in granulated sugar for a sparkling finish. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Melt-In-Your-Mouth Sugar Plum Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter – It creates that perfect tender crumb.
- Don’t overmix the dough – Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
- Measure flour carefully – Too much flour will make the cookies dry.
- Use quality jam – Thick, flavorful jam holds up better while baking.
- Add food coloring sparingly – A hint of color gives a festive look.
- Keep them pale – Don’t overbake; they should be soft and delicate.
- Chill the dough if sticky – 15 minutes in the fridge helps with shaping.
- Refill jam after baking if needed – It sometimes sinks during baking.
- Dust with sugar while warm – Helps the sugar adhere better.
- Store properly – Keep airtight to preserve the meltaway texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Flavor Twist: Use raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam.
- Nutty Version: Add finely chopped almonds or pistachios to the dough.
- Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Glazed Finish: Drizzle with almond or vanilla icing instead of sugar.
- Holiday Colors: Use colored sugar for a festive look.
- Citrus Note: Add lemon or orange zest for a fresh twist.
- Jamless Version: Roll in powdered sugar instead of adding jam.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter; skip dairy.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Mini Sandwich Cookies: Spread jam between two cookies for a double treat.
What to Serve With Melt-In-Your-Mouth Sugar Plum Cookies
- Hot tea or mulled wine
- Holiday cocoa with whipped cream
- Sparkling cider for a festive pairing
- Cheese board for contrast at gatherings
- Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
To Freeze:
Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Add jam after thawing and bake for 3–5 minutes to refresh.
To Gift:
Pack in cookie tins with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different jam flavors?
Yes! Raspberry, apricot, and blackberry all taste amazing.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely — freeze shaped cookies before baking, then bake straight from frozen.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend.
Can I skip the jam?
You can — just dust baked cookies with powdered sugar instead.
Why are my cookies too dry?
Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness. Bake until just set.
Can I make them in advance?
Yes — they actually taste even better the next day.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store with a slice of bread in the container — it keeps moisture in.
Can I color the dough?
Yes! A soft pastel pink or lavender looks beautiful for holiday trays.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
They’re perfect — pretty, unique, and hold up well in cookie boxes.