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These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies bring together a rich buttery dough and a vibrant plum jam filling for a festive treat that feels both classic and special. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any cozy moment, these cookies offer a delicate crumb paired with a sweet fruit surprise that makes them unforgettable on any dessert table.
I first tried these cookies during a family gathering in winter and they quickly became a requested treat every holiday season. Their elegance and approachable ingredients make them a joy to bake and share.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: the base for tender, melt in your mouth texture choose high quality French butter for best flavor
- Granulated sugar: sweetens while helping create a light crumb opt for fine sugar if possible
- Pure vanilla extract: adds depth and warmth, bringing out the richness of the dough
- All purpose flour: provides structure sift if needed for lump free dough
- Salt: balances sweetness and enhances overall taste
- Plum jam or sugar plum preserves: the star filling pick a thick, high quality jam to prevent spreading and maintain a nice texture
- Optional powdered sugar: for a delicate finishing touch choose organic if available
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- Begin by creaming softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about two to three minutes. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough, giving the cookies their tender texture. Add pure vanilla extract and stir well. Gradually incorporate the all purpose flour and salt, mixing just until you have a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Use a tablespoon to scoop dough balls and space them about five centimeters apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to create a deep indentation for the jam filling.
- Add Filling:
- Spoon or pipe approximately half a teaspoon of thick plum jam into each thumbprint indentation. Be careful not to overfill so the jam does not overflow when baking.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about twelve to fourteen minutes until the cookies’ edges turn a light golden color. This timing ensures a perfect balance between crumbly texture and slight crispness around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Finish:
- If desired, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar to add a festive, refined appearance.
Plum jam is my favorite ingredient here because it provides a lovely burst of fruity sweetness that balances the rich dough wonderfully. I remember baking these with my grandmother who always said the secret was the quality of the jam and the softness of the butter.
Storage Tips
Keep the cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their freshness and crumbly texture. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to two months. When ready to eat, allow the cookies to thaw completely at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute plum jam with cherry, raspberry, or fig preserves to experiment with different fruity flavors. Using salted butter instead of unsalted is possible but reduce the added salt in the dough slightly. For a gluten free version, try replacing all purpose flour with a premium gluten free blend, though the texture may vary slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, lending themselves well to afternoon treats or holiday gatherings. You can serve them alongside fresh fruit for a simple dessert plate or stack them with ribbon in a gift box for festive cookie exchanges.
These sugar plum shortbread cookies are elegant and easy to make, perfect for holidays or gifting. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quels ingrédients sont essentiels pour ces sablés ?
Le beurre doux, la farine, le sucre, un extrait de vanille et une bonne confiture de prune ou pruneaux sucrés sont nécessaires pour obtenir la texture et le goût authentiques.
- → Comment obtenir une pâte sablée parfaite ?
Il faut bien crémer le beurre avec le sucre, puis incorporer la farine et le sel avec douceur pour éviter de trop travailler la pâte et conserver son fondant.
- → Peut-on varier la garniture fruitée ?
Oui, on peut remplacer la confiture de prune par des conserves de cerise, framboise ou figue pour apporter différentes saveurs et nuances.
- → À quelle température cuire ces biscuits ?
La cuisson idéale se situe autour de 175°C (350°F) pendant 12 à 14 minutes pour une coloration dorée sans dessèchement.
- → Comment conserver ces sablés ?
Ils se gardent bien dans une boîte hermétique à température ambiante jusqu'à une semaine, ou peuvent être congelés pour une conservation prolongée.