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 into the holiday spirit. Perfect for gatherings or as a sweet gift, Sugar Plums offer a mix of flavors that appeal to everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of these treats in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of dried fruits and spices creates a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holiday parties, gift-giving, or as an everyday snack; Sugar Plums fit any occasion.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fruits and nuts, these treats provide natural sweetness and healthy fats.
• Fun to Make: Shaping the plums is an engaging activity perfect for family cooking sessions.

Tools and Preparation

To create your perfect Sugar Plums, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools help streamline the process and ensure each step is efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool makes quick work of chopping fruits and nuts to the perfect consistency.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for toasting nuts evenly, enhancing their flavor before mixing.
• Cookie scoop: Helps you portion out uniform sizes for even cooking and presentation.

Ingredients

To craft your delightful Sugar Plums, gather the following ingredients:

For the Base

• 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 (this is the purple sugar we used)

How to Make Sugar Plums

Step 1: Toast the Nuts

To enhance the flavor of your Sugar Plums:
1. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet.
2. Bake at 350˚F for 6–7 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Mixture

Next, combine your ingredients:
1. Finely chop all dried fruits.
2. Place fruits and nuts in a food processor.
3. Pulse until finely chopped.
4. Add remaining ingredients (except sugar).
5. Pulse again until sticky and well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Sugar Plums

Now it’s time to form your treats:
1. Use a 1 tbsp cookie scoop to portion out the mixture.
2. Shape each portion into an oval.
3. Optionally make an indentation using a toothpick on one side.
4. Roll each oval in coarse sugar until well coated.

Enjoy your festive Sugar Plums!

How to Serve Sugar Plums

Sugar Plums are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their sweet, fruity flavor pairs well with a range of snacks and beverages, making them a versatile addition to your holiday spread.

As a Festive Snack

• These Sugar Plums are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack throughout the day. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to grab and enjoy.

With Cheese Plates

• Pair your Sugar Plums with a selection of cheeses for an elegant cheese board. The sweetness of the plums complements sharp cheeses beautifully.

In Gift Baskets

• Use Sugar Plums in homemade gift baskets. They make a charming addition alongside other treats, adding a personal touch to your gifts.

Accompanied by Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy Sugar Plums alongside your favorite hot beverage. Their sweetness balances the bitterness of coffee or the warmth of herbal tea perfectly.

As Holiday Decorations

• Consider using Sugar Plums as part of your holiday decorations. Their vibrant colors can add cheer to your table settings or festive displays.

How to Perfect Sugar Plums

To make the best Sugar Plums, follow these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Toast the nuts: Toasting brings out the natural oils and enhances the flavor of almonds and pecans, providing extra depth.
• Chop fruit finely: Finely chopping dried fruit ensures that all ingredients blend evenly, creating a cohesive texture.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the mixture before rolling in sugar; feel free to add more cherry jam for additional sweetness if desired.
• Chill before rolling: Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to roll into perfect plump shapes.
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels; adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can create unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Sugar Plums

Sugar Plums can be served alongside various side dishes that enhance their festive spirit. Here are some delicious options:

1. Cheese Board: A mix of creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, and sharp cheddar pairs excellently with sweet flavors.
2. Mixed Nuts: A bowl of seasoned mixed nuts offers crunch and saltiness that balances the sweetness of Sugar Plums.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the rich flavors of Sugar Plums.
4. Spiced Tea: Serve with warm spiced tea for a cozy pairing that highlights holiday aromas and flavors.
5. Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination creates an irresistible contrast when enjoyed with Sugar Plums.
6. Granola Bars: Pair with homemade granola bars for an energy boost; their chewy texture contrasts nicely with the sugary treats.
7. Vanilla Yogurt Dip: A creamy yogurt dip can add richness and balance out the sweetness when serving as snacks.
8. Savory Crackers: Choose hearty crackers topped with herbs or cheese to provide a savory element against the sweet backdrop of Sugar Plums.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Sugar Plums to the next level. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the nut toasting: Toasting nuts enhances their flavor. Always toast them before adding to your mixture for a richer taste.
• Not chopping fruits finely: If the dried fruits are not chopped finely, they won’t blend well. Ensure all fruits are finely chopped for a uniform mixture.
• Overworking the mixture: Pulsing too long can turn your ingredients into paste. Stop when the mixture is sticky but still has texture.
• Neglecting sugar coating: The sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. Make sure your Sugar Plums are well-coated before serving.
• Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Ensure all dried fruits and nuts are fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Sugar Plums in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture.

Freezing Sugar Plums

• Freeze Sugar Plums in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating Sugar Plums

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 10-second intervals until just warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sugar Plums:

What Are Sugar Plums?

Sugar Plums are sweet treats made from finely chopped dried fruits and nuts, often rolled in sugar. They are perfect for festive occasions!

How Can I Customize My Sugar Plums?

You can mix different dried fruits or nuts according to your taste preferences. Adding spices like ginger or vanilla can also enhance their flavor.

Are Sugar Plums Healthy?

While they do contain sugar, they also provide fiber and nutrients from the dried fruits and nuts, making them a healthier treat option.

How Long Do Sugar Plums Last?

If stored properly in an airtight container, Sugar Plums can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These homemade Sugar Plums are not only easy to make but also a delightful treat that embodies the holiday spirit. With endless customization options, you can create variations that suit your taste. Try making them today for a festive snack that everyone will enjoy!