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 delightful bites will get you in the holiday spirit. Perfect for gifting or adding to your dessert table, Sugar Plums highlight the season’s flavors in an enjoyable way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be made quickly, making it ideal for last-minute treats.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of dried fruits and spices brings a burst of flavor that is both sweet and warming.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet snack throughout the year, these Sugar Plums fit any occasion.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious nuts and fruits, these treats provide a healthier alternative to traditional sweets.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix and match your favorite dried fruits or nuts to create your own signature version.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful Sugar Plums, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline your preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Cookie scoop
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Makes chopping the nuts and dried fruits quick and efficient. It ensures a uniform texture for your mixture.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for toasting nuts evenly without overcrowding them. It helps enhance their flavor by bringing out their natural oils.
• Cookie scoop: Provides consistent sizing for each Sugar Plum, ensuring even cooking and presentation.

Ingredients

For the Fruit Mixture

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

For the Nuts

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

For Flavoring

• 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

For Coating

• 1/2 cup coarse sugar for coating

How to Make Sugar Plums

Step 1: Toast the Nuts

To enhance the flavor of your Sugar Plums, start by toasting the nuts. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350˚F for 6-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they smell fragrant and nutty. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Mixture

Chop all of the dried fruit finely. Add the fruit along with the toasted nuts into a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped. Then add all remaining ingredients (except sugar) and pulse again until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together well.

Step 3: Shape Your Sugar Plums

Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the mixture. Shape each portion into an oval form. Optionally, use a toothpick to create an indentation on top of each piece. Roll them in coarse sugar until they are well coated. If desired, place a small rosemary sprig into each one as a festive stem.

Enjoy your homemade Sugar Plums! These sweet treats offer a delightful mix of flavors perfect for any occasion this holiday season.

How to Serve Sugar Plums

Serving Sugar Plums can elevate your holiday gatherings and celebrations. These delightful treats can be enjoyed in various ways that highlight their festive charm.

Snack Platter

• Include Sugar Plums on a snack platter alongside nuts, cheese, and crackers for a balanced selection. Their sweet and nutty flavor complements savory items perfectly.

Holiday Gift

• Package Sugar Plums in decorative boxes or jars as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Add a personal touch with festive ribbons and handwritten labels.

Dessert Table Addition

• Place Sugar Plums on your dessert table to add color and variety. Their unique texture and flavor make them an eye-catching choice among traditional sweets.

Pair with Tea or Coffee

• Serve Sugar Plums with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The spices in the plums enhance the cozy experience of enjoying hot beverages.

How to Perfect Sugar Plums

To make the best Sugar Plums, follow these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Ensure all dried fruits and nuts are fresh for maximum flavor and texture. Stale ingredients can alter the overall taste.
• Adjust Sweetness – Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of cherry jam or coarse sugar used for coating. Test small batches to find your ideal sweetness.
• Experiment with Spices – Feel free to tweak the spice blend by adding more cinnamon or trying different spices like ginger for a unique twist.
• Chill Before Rolling – Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping into plums. This helps them hold their shape better when rolled in sugar.
• Storage Tips – Keep leftover Sugar Plums in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week.

Best Side Dishes for Sugar Plums

Pairing side dishes with Sugar Plums enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. Cheese Board – A selection of cheeses, such as Brie or Gouda, pairs nicely with the sweetness of Sugar Plums.
2. Mixed Nuts – Serve seasoned mixed nuts alongside for a crunchy contrast that balances the soft texture of the plums.
3. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad featuring citrus fruits can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of Sugar Plums.
4. Vegetable Crudités – Fresh vegetable sticks with hummus offer a healthy crunch that balances out the sweetness.
5. Savory Scones – Consider adding savory scones with herbs as they provide an earthy flavor that complements the sweet plums.
6. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels – The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate adds an exciting contrast to the sugary treats.
7. Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries to create a delicious parfait that pairs well with these festive bites.
8. Spiced Hot Cider – A warm spiced cider will enhance your holiday atmosphere while pairing nicely with Sugar Plums’ flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sugar Plums can be a joyful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the nut toasting: Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor. If you skip this step, your Sugar Plums may not have the depth of taste you’re looking for.
• Not chopping the fruit finely enough: Large pieces of fruit can affect the texture. Aim for a fine chop to ensure everything binds well together.
• Over-pulsing the mixture: Pulsing too long can turn the mixture into a paste rather than keeping it chunky. Stop once it’s sticky and combined.
• Using the wrong sugar for coating: Coarse sugar provides a delightful crunch. If you use fine sugar, your Sugar Plums may lack that satisfying texture.
• Forgetting to chill before shaping: Chilling the mixture helps it firm up, making it easier to shape into plums. Don’t skip this step!
• Ignoring ingredient substitutions: Using alternatives like dried fruits or different nuts can change the flavor profile significantly. Make sure your choices complement each other.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Sugar Plums will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Sugar Plums

• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
• Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to three months.

Reheating Sugar Plums

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm for about 5 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them soft.
• Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, turning frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Sugar Plums, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

What are Sugar Plums?

Sugar Plums are sweet treats made from dried fruits and nuts, often rolled in sugar. They are popular during festive seasons for their delightful flavor and chewy texture.

How do I customize my Sugar Plums?

You can customize your Sugar Plums by using different nuts or dried fruits based on your preferences. Try adding coconut flakes or swapping almonds for walnuts!

Can I make Sugar Plums ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. This makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or snacks on-the-go.

What can I use instead of nuts?

If you need a nut-free option, consider using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They provide similar texture without allergens.

Can I make these without sugar coating?

Yes! If you’re looking to reduce sugar intake, feel free to skip the sugar coating. The natural sweetness from the fruits will still shine through.

Final Thoughts

These Sugar Plums are not only easy to make but also versatile and fun! With various ways to customize them, they can cater to different tastes while adding a festive touch to any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful treats!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Sugar Plums

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with our delightful Sugar Plums! These sweet, nutty treats combine a medley of dried fruits and warming spices, rolled in coarse sugar for a satisfying crunch. Quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, Sugar Plums make for an excellent addition to your dessert table or a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a year-round snack, these no-bake delights are customizable to suit your taste preferences.

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Ingredients

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• 1/2 cup prunes, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dried apricots or dates, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup toasted, unsalted almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted, unsalted pecans, chopped
• 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
• 1/2 cup coarse sugar for coating

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and toast the nuts on a baking sheet for 6-7 minutes until fragrant. (Optional)
2. Finely chop the dried fruits and add them along with the toasted nuts to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Add cherry jam, orange zest, and spices to the processor; pulse until the mixture is sticky.
4. Use a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture and shape into ovals. Roll each in coarse sugar until well-coated.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg