Name: Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam 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 preferred); 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 undeniably cozy about these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe. Soft, chewy cookies layered with a fragrant spiced plum jam just feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. They’re festive, colorful, and truly worth carving out some time in the kitchen for.

A small white container lined with crumpled light brown parchment paper holds about a dozen sugar-coated purple and green round treats that look like sugared berries or small fruits, each topped with a small green stem. Around the container, a few of the same treats lie scattered on a white marbled surface, with one broken open revealing a red jam filling and yellow cake inside. In the soft background, there is a blurred red ribbon and white festive decorations. The image is bright and soft-focused, showing the sugary texture clearly. 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 with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my house. The jam’s warm spices and the soft, olive oil-based cookie dough make a combo that’s not just delicious but also delightfully unique and festive.

Soft & Chewy Texture: The olive oil in the dough keeps these cookies irresistibly tender and moist.
Fragrant Spiced Plum Jam: Infused with cinnamon, cardamom, and a hint of lemon, this jam feels like a mini celebration in every bite.
Vibrant & Festive Colors: The colored syrup coating adds a playful, seasonal touch perfect for gifting or parties.
Make Ahead Friendly: These cookies hold their softness for days, making them ideal to prepare in advance.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe comes down to combining approachable ingredients that balance flavor and texture beautifully. The fresh plums and warming spices shine in the jam while the cookie dough remains simple yet cozy.

Flat lay of fresh whole plums cut into cubes in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of clear lemon juice, a fresh cinnamon stick, three green cardamom pods, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of sea salt, a small white bowl of water, a fresh rosemary sprig, a small white bowl of extra granulated sugar for coating, and a few fresh sugared rosemary sprigs, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions and fresh natural appearance, placed 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 and juicy, they form the base of the spiced jam, lending sweetness and a beautiful natural tartness.
Granulated sugar: Used both in the jam and the cookie dough, it balances natural plum tartness and aids in syrup creation.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the jam and the cookie dough.
Lemon juice: Brightens the plum jam and helps cut through sweetness for balance.
Cinnamon stick and cardamom pods: Infuse the jam with gentle, festive spice notes without being overpowering.
Sea salt: Just a pinch enhances flavor contrast in the cookies.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the dough.
Extra virgin olive oil: Keeps cookies tender and adds a subtle earthy depth; swap for neutral oil if preferred.
Milk: Adds moisture to the dough, ensuring chewiness.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for perfect soft cookie texture.
Baking powder: Gives a slight lift for lightness without making cookies cakey.
Water, rosemary sprig, and food coloring: Combine to make the syrup dip that gives cookies their shiny, festive coating.
Sugared rosemary sprigs: Optional garnish that adds charm and aroma, perfect for holidays.

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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

What I love about this Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe is how easily it welcomes your personal touch. You can play around with the spices in the jam or swap out oils to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it truly yours.

Spice Variations: One year I swapped out cardamom for a touch of star anise in the jam, adding a slightly licorice-like warmth that everyone adored.
Oil Substitution: If olive oil’s flavor isn’t your thing, experimenting with mild avocado or grapeseed oil keeps the chewiness without the earthy undertone.
Milk Options: I’ve used almond or oat milk in place of whole milk to accommodate dairy-free households, and it works beautifully.
Color Fun: Mix up the syrup colors — try a soft pink with a drop of red food coloring or even a festive green for a Christmas twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe

The image shows a light pink marbled surface with scattered dark purple plums, some whole and one cut open revealing bright red flesh. Purple sugar-coated fruits with greenish-blue highlights are placed among the plums. A dark-skinned ballerina figurine wearing a white and pink tutu with her arms raised is lying on the surface, adding a whimsical touch. Small sprigs of green herbs are scattered around the fruits and figurine. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Make the Spiced Plum Jam

Start by simmering your plums with sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom pods over medium heat. Let it bubble gently until the fruit breaks down and thickens into a luscious jam – this usually takes about 25–30 minutes.

Don’t rush it; patience here brings out the complex spiced flavors. When it’s done, remove the cinnamon and cardamom before letting the jam cool completely. I like to make this part first so it’s perfectly ready to fill the cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Whisk together sugar, sea salt, eggs, olive oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking powder, then gradually add it to the wet mixture. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, a tablespoon more flour does the trick.

I find chilling the dough for 15 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking, so don’t skip this quick rest.

Step 3: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into small balls—about one tablespoon size—and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for roughly 12–15 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden. The centers will look soft but will firm up once cooled.

Try not to overbake because these cookies thrive on their tender, chewy texture.

Step 4: Dye the Syrup and Dip the Cookies

While the cookies bake, make the syrup by simmering water, sugar, vanilla, and a rosemary sprig. Divide the syrup into two bowls and add your blue and purple food coloring to each, creating that magical sugar plum hue.

Once cookies are baked and slightly cooled but still warm, dip one side into the syrup, then roll them in granulated sugar for a sparkling finish. This syrup dip gives the cookies their signature soft but shiny exterior.

Step 5: Assemble with Plum Jam

Once the cookies are cooled, spread a generous dollop of your spiced plum jam on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. This filling is what elevates your cookies to something unforgettable.

For an extra touch, garnish with sugared rosemary sprigs – they look festive and add a subtle herbal note.

Top Tip

From my experience, the key to perfect Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe is balance—balancing moisture, spice, and timing. Here's a handful of tips I’ve learned the hard way:

Don’t Rush the Jam: Slow simmering ensures the spices infuse deeply without overpowering the natural plum sweetness.
Measure Flour Carefully: Flour too loosely scooped can dry out dough – I spoon it into my measuring cup and level off for accuracy.
Syrup Dip Timing: Dip cookies while warm for best absorption; cooled cookies won’t soak syrup as well.
Patience with Cooling: Let the jam and cookies fully cool before assembling to prevent sogginess and maintain neat edges.

How to Serve Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I swear by sugared rosemary sprigs—they’re elegant and carry that piney scent that pairs perfectly with the spiced plum jam. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible silver pearls also work beautifully to dress these cookies up for festive gatherings.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with hot chai tea or mulled wine to echo those cozy spice notes. A creamy whipped vanilla bean dip also makes a lovely accompaniment if you’re serving a variety platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love arranging these sugar plum cookies in a wreath shape on a festive platter, embedding sugared rosemary sprigs between them. You can even stack a few tiers on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece that invites people to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Thanks to the syrup coating and olive oil in the dough, they stay wonderfully soft and chewy without drying out.

Freezing

If I want to save them longer, I freeze unassembled cookies and the jam separately. The frozen cookies thaw beautifully at room temperature, and the jam can be defrosted gently in the fridge. Assemble after both are fully thawed for best results.

Reheating

To revive slightly stale cookies, I pop them in a warm oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This softens them up nicely without melting the syrup coating or jam filling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen plums for the jam?

Yes! Frozen plums work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before making the jam to avoid it being too runny.

What if I don’t have cardamom pods?

You can substitute ground cardamom (about ¼ teaspoon) or omit it altogether. The cinnamon and vanilla still create a lovely warm flavor on their own.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the milk for a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The olive oil keeps the cookies moist without any dairy needed.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

They will stay soft and fresh for about 3 to 4 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The syrup coating really helps preserve their moisture.

Final Thoughts

Making this Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe always feels like inviting a little festive magic into my kitchen. The softness, the warm spice notes, and that glossy, sugar-dusted finish make them a standout, whether for holiday treats or anytime you crave something special. I hope you have as much fun making—and devouring—these as I do. You’re just a few steps away from a buttery, spiced plum hug in cookie form!