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Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies

Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies for a Cozy Holiday Treat

Delightful Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies embody the festive spirit, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar Substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
  • 1 cup butter Cold, cubed; margarine can be used, but may alter texture.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Increase for a spicier cookie.
  • 0.5 teaspoon cloves Nutmeg can be a good substitute.
  • 0.5 cups chopped pecans Can be replaced with walnuts or omitted.
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest Lemon zest can be used as a substitute.
For the Topping
  • 0.5 cups jam Plum or similar; raspberry or strawberry can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar For topping.
  • 2 tablespoons sparkling sugar For a festive sparkle.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Pastry blender
  • cookie cutters
  • baking sheets
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325ºF (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and chopped pecans. Whisk to mix thoroughly.
  3. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Knead the mixture gently on a floured surface until smooth. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  5. Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
  6. Spread a thin layer of jam on each cookie, leaving borders around the edges.
  7. Bake the cookies for 18-22 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
  8. Sprinkle granulated sugar and sparkling sugar over the warm cookies after baking.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
  10. Store in an airtight container or serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure butter is cold for best texture. Knead just until dough comes together. Apply jam sparingly to avoid overflow while baking.

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