Name: Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups plums (pitted and cut into cubes); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 inch piece cinnamon stick; 3 cardamom pods; 1 cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 2 large eggs (room temperature); ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (or neutral oil); 3 tablespoons milk (whole milk or your preferred milk); 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all purpose flour (360g); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 inch rosemary sprig; blue food coloring (as needed); purple food coloring (as needed); ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating); Sugared rosemary sprigs (for decorating)

There's something magically festive about a soft, chewy cookie that carries the warm, spiced sweetness of plums. This Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe is an absolute delight, blending homemade plum jam with a colorful syrup dip—making each bite a merry little celebration of flavor and texture.

A white container lined with crumpled light brown paper holds about a dozen small round treats that look like purple and green berries coated in sugar granules, each with a small green sprig on top. Around the container on a white marbled surface are three more of these sugar-coated berry-like treats scattered loosely, with one broken in half revealing a light yellow cake inside and a dark red filling in the center. The background is softly decorated with blurred white and pink holiday items, including a red ribbon and lights. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made these sugar plum cookies during a chilly winter afternoon, and the cozy scents of cinnamon and cardamom infused the entire kitchen—it instantly became a seasonal favorite. They’re unique, soft, and taste like a little holiday hug wrapped in spruced-up syrup and sugar.

Rich homemade plum jam: Infused with warming spices, it’s fresh and flavorful, not overly sweet.
Olive oil in the dough: Keeps the cookies chewy and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Colorful syrup dip: This festive touch keeps cookies soft and visually magical for days.
Perfect for holiday gifting: They look impressive and taste like you put in way more effort than you did.

Ingredients & Why They Work

You’ll notice this recipe leans on fresh, fragrant ingredients and a balance of spices that complement the natural sweetness of plums. Each component has a special role, so here’s a quick peek at why I love them together.

Flat lay of fresh whole purple plums with smooth skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine granulated sugar, a few whole green cardamom pods, a 2-inch cinnamon stick with rich brown bark texture, a fresh lemon wedge showing juicy pulp, two large whole brown eggs with clean uncracked shells, a small white ceramic bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding pure vanilla extract, a neat pile of all-purpose flour with a fine soft texture, a few coarse grains of sea salt scattered beside, a fresh green rosemary sprig, and a small white ceramic bowl of water, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Plums: Fresh, ripe plums provide the base for a luscious jam that’s both tangy and sweet.
Granulated sugar: Used in both the jam and dough for sweetness and texture balance.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to both jam and dough.
Lemon juice: Brightens the plum flavor, balancing the sweetness nicely.
Cinnamon stick & cardamom pods: These spices infuse the jam with cozy holiday warmth without overpowering.
Sea salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors and balance sweetness.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Extra virgin olive oil: Keeps the cookie dough tender and adds subtle earthiness.
Milk: Moisturizes the dough while keeping softness.
All-purpose flour: The base structure for these soft yet sturdy cookies.
Baking powder: Helps them rise just enough for that tender chew.
Water, vanilla extract, rosemary sprig, & food coloring: Create the vibrant syrup dip that keeps cookies luscious and adds festive flair.
Extra granulated sugar for coating: Gives a delightful sparkle and crunch on the outside.
Sugared rosemary sprigs: For elegant garnishing that smells amazing.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe is just how easy it is to tweak for your personal taste. I’ve played around with different oils and spices to suit different moods and they always turn out great.

Variation: I sometimes swap out olive oil for avocado oil when I want a more neutral flavor, especially if I’m serving picky guests—still soft but less earthy.
Spice swap: If cardamom isn’t your thing, try a little ground ginger to keep that warm holiday vibe.
Milk alternative: Whole milk works beautifully, but almond or oat milk can make these vegan-friendly if you also swap eggs for a flax egg.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe

The image shows several dark purple plums, some whole and one cut open to reveal a bright red inside, scattered on a white marbled surface. Among the plums are three light purple, sugar-coated fruit pieces with a frosted texture. To the right, there is a small ballerina figurine with dark brown skin, wearing a pink and white tutu, posed gracefully with one arm raised and one leg extended. Small green leaves are also scattered around, adding a touch of natural detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Make the Plum Jam

Start by cutting your plums into small cubes and combining them with sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, the cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the plums break down and the mixture thickens into a fragrant jam—about 25–30 minutes. Remove the cinnamon and cardamom before using. This step is key because the jam flavors the cookies and gives you that festive aroma in your kitchen.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and sea salt with the eggs until smooth. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while mixing, then add milk and vanilla. Sift together flour and baking powder, then fold into the wet ingredients gently until just incorporated. The dough should be soft but manageable—not sticky. A tip? Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too loose to shape.

Step 3: Shape and Fill Your Cookies

Take about a tablespoon of dough, flatten it into a disc in your palm, place a small spoonful of plum jam in the center, then fold the dough around it to seal. Roll gently into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This sealing step can be a bit fiddly, but don’t rush—keeping the jam inside is what makes these cookies special!

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Cool them completely on a wire rack before moving on to the syrup dip.

Step 5: Create the Colorful Syrup Dip

Simmer water, sugar, vanilla, and the rosemary sprig until the sugar dissolves and the syrup is infused with rosemary’s subtle fragrance. Remove rosemary, divide the syrup into small bowls, and stir in blue and purple food coloring as desired. This syrup dip not only adds moisture and flavor but gives these cookies their signature festive look.

Step 6: Dip, Coat, & Garnish!

Dip each cooled cookie into the colored syrup briefly, then roll it in granulated sugar for a sparkling, crunchy exterior. Arrange sugared rosemary sprigs on a plate for a wonderful garnish that smells as amazing as the cookies taste—perfect for holiday guests!

Top Tip

After making these Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe several times, I discovered a few small tricks that really help everything come together beautifully and keep your cookies soft and flavorful.

Chill the dough: If your dough feels sticky or too soft, 15 minutes in the fridge makes it easier to handle without toughening the cookies.
Don’t overfill with jam: A spoonful is enough—too much and the jam can leak during baking, making a sticky mess.
Timing your syrup dip: Make sure cookies are fully cooled before dipping to keep the syrup from soaking in too deep and making them soggy.
Use fresh spices: The cinnamon stick and cardamom pods in the jam are key to that authentic flavor, so fresh spices make a noticeable difference.

How to Serve Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing these cookies with sugared rosemary sprigs—they’re simple, elegant, and add a lovely piney aroma that perfectly complements the plum and spices. If you’re feeling extra festive, a light dusting of powdered sugar looks beautiful too.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cozy hot drink like spiced chai tea or a rich dark coffee. For a holiday gathering, they go great alongside a cheese board featuring mild cheeses and some dried fruit—bringing out the jammy notes of the plums.

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged these sugar plum cookies on a holiday platter lined with fresh pine boughs and cranberries—it looked stunning and immediately brought that winter holiday spirit to the table. Wrapping them in clear cello bags tied with ribbon also makes for charming edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The syrup dip helps them stay soft, so you won’t have to worry about them drying out quickly. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies both before and after baking with great success. If freezing dough balls, wrap them well and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking fresh. Baked cookies freeze best when wrapped tightly in plastic and then stored in freezer bags.

Reheating

Reheat these cookies gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive softness and warmth. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery or cause the syrup coating to become sticky and runny.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen plums for the jam?

Yes! Frozen plums work well—just thaw and drain any excess liquid before making the jam to keep the consistency right.

What if I don't have cardamom pods?

You can substitute with a ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom or even ground cinnamon to maintain a warm spice flavor. The pods add fragrance but ground spices work well too.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for regular flour. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How long will the cookies stay fresh?

Stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, these sugar plum cookies will keep fresh and soft for about 4 to 5 days thanks to the syrup dip.

Final Thoughts

This Sugar Plum Cookies Recipe truly holds a special place in my heart—not just because of its cozy flavors but because it brings a bit of joy and color to a dark winter day. Sharing them with friends and family, wrapped in their shimmering sugar coats and fragrant rosemary, always feels like giving a little edible gift of warmth. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do, and maybe even make them a holiday tradition in your home!