There’s something magical about Christmas cookies that sparkle. And nothing captures that better than these Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies — buttery, crumbly, and delicately sweet, with a fruity sparkle that tastes like a fairy tale. When I was a kid, the phrase “visions of sugar plums” from The Night Before Christmas always made me imagine tiny cookies covered in glittering sugar. Years later, I turned that daydream into reality with this recipe.
These cookies are soft and buttery, filled with plum jam, and topped with a twinkle of sanding sugar that catches the light like snowflakes. They’re the kind of cookie that makes you stop and smile — simple to bake, elegant to serve, and impossible to resist.
If you’ve loved my Frosted Christmas Brownies or the chewy Almond Joy Cookies, these will bring the same festive warmth but with a touch of old-world charm.
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla, then gradually mix in flour and salt. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before rolling.
- Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round or star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the cut cookies for 15 minutes before baking — this helps them keep their shape. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely. Spread a thin layer of plum jam on one cookie, then top it with another to make a sandwich. Sprinkle sanding sugar on top, or dust with powdered sugar for a soft snow effect.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Story Behind These Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
A Christmas Classic with a Fairy-Tale Twist
The first time I made these cookies, I wanted something elegant for our Christmas Eve dessert table. I had leftover plum preserves from breakfast and decided to sandwich them between buttery shortbread rounds. A sprinkle of sparkling sugar on top transformed them into something that felt straight out of the Nutcracker. Now, they’ve become my favorite cookie to share with neighbors — a little sweet, a little nostalgic, and so very Christmas.
If you enjoy beautiful, storybook-inspired desserts, try my Christmas Fruit Cake. It’s full of dried fruit, spice, and tradition — just like these cookies, but in cake form.
Why They’re So Special
What makes these cookies irresistible is their balance. The shortbread is rich and buttery, melting on your tongue, while the plum jam adds a gentle sweetness that’s never overwhelming. The sparkling sugar gives them that magical shimmer that makes your cookie platter shine.
Ingredients for Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup plum jam or preserves (any flavor works — raspberry, cherry, or apricot are lovely)
- Coarse or sanding sugar for topping
How to Make Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla, then gradually mix in flour and salt. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before rolling.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round or star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Chill and Bake
Refrigerate the cut cookies for 15 minutes before baking — this helps them keep their shape. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden.
Step 4: Fill and Finish
Let the cookies cool completely. Spread a thin layer of plum jam on one cookie, then top it with another to make a sandwich. Sprinkle sanding sugar on top, or dust with powdered sugar for a soft snow effect.
For another elegant cookie option, check out my Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies — they share the same melt-in-your-mouth base but add nutty richness.
Tips for the Perfect Sugar Plum Shortbread
Use Quality Butter
Since butter is the heart of shortbread, choose a high-quality, unsalted one. It gives your cookies that velvety texture and rich flavor.
Keep It Cool
Chilling the dough keeps the cookies from spreading. It also helps the texture stay crumbly and tender.
Get Creative with Fillings
While plum jam gives that signature “sugar plum” flavor, you can swap in raspberry, cherry, or even fig preserves. Each brings its own festive twist.
For more ways to bring comfort and creativity to your kitchen, read my cozy guide to easy meals like One Pot Potato Soup — it’s the perfect thing to simmer while your cookies bake.
How to Store and Gift Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies
Storage
These cookies store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the unfilled cookies and assemble them just before serving.
Gifting
They make the prettiest holiday gifts. Stack them in clear bags tied with ribbon or place them in small tins lined with parchment. The sparkle of sugar and the rich jam layer make them look bakery-perfect. Pair them with a jar of my Creamy Bacon Potato Soup for a festive sweet-and-savory gift basket.
Flavor Variations
- Citrus Plum Shortbread: Add orange zest to the dough for a bright, fragrant note.
- Nutty Plum Cookies: Replace ¼ cup of flour with ground almonds for a richer texture.
- Frosted Sugar Plum Bites: Drizzle a simple glaze of milk and powdered sugar on top instead of jam for a more classic shortbread look.
- Chocolate Plum Rounds: Dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate once cooled — a sophisticated twist.
If you enjoy experimenting, you’ll also love my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes — proof that simple ingredients can make something extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought jam?
Absolutely! Store-bought plum or raspberry jam works perfectly. Just make sure it’s not too runny.
2. Do I have to sandwich them?
Not at all. You can bake them as single shortbread cookies and drizzle the jam on top instead.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes — the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Let it soften slightly before rolling.
4. Why are my cookies tough?
Overmixing can make shortbread dense. Mix only until the dough comes together.
Conclusion
Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies are proof that the simplest recipes can bring the most holiday magic. Buttery, tender, and kissed with sweet plum jam, they sparkle on any Christmas table. They’re elegant enough for parties yet easy enough for an afternoon bake with kids.
If you’re planning your Christmas dessert lineup, pair these cookies with my Frosted Christmas Brownies or cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Bacon Potato Soup for the perfect winter night combo. These cookies might just become your next holiday classic — simple, nostalgic, and full of joy.