Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

Introduction

Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies bring a touch of magic to the holiday season. With their festive sparkle and delicious blend of tart cranberries, warm spices, and a hint of sugar-coated sweetness, these cookies are as charming as they are tasty. Imagine soft, chewy bites bursting with the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors—a true embodiment of holiday cheer.

These cookies are a family favorite in my home during the holidays. I love how the cranberries provide a tangy contrast to the warm spices, creating a flavor that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The sugar-dusted finish gives them a gorgeous, frosty look that fits perfectly with the winter season. Whether I’m wrapping them up as gifts, serving them at a holiday gathering, or simply enjoying one (or two!) with a warm mug of tea, they never fail to delight.

One of the best things about Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies is their versatility. You can tweak the spices, add a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, or even include some chopped nuts for a bit of crunch. No matter how you make them, these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. They’re my go-to recipe for spreading holiday cheer—one sparkling cookie at a time!

Perfect for:

• Holiday cookie exchanges
• Festive dessert platters
• Edible gifts for loved ones
• Seasonal baking fun
• Pairing with hot drinks on cold evenings

Why You’ll Love This Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

Here’s why Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies will become your new holiday favorite:

• Festive Appearance: Rolled in sparkling sugar, these cookies look as magical as the holiday season itself.
• Balanced Flavor Profile: The sweetness of sugar and dried fruits balances perfectly with the warm spices.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Every bite is a perfect combination of tender cookie and chewy cranberries.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels, even during the busy holiday season.
• Customizable Flavors: Easily adapt the recipe with different dried fruits, nuts, or spices for your own twist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-140 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped dried plums (or prunes)
• ¼ cup sparkling sugar (for rolling)

Ingredient Highlights

• Dried Cranberries: Provide a tangy and slightly sweet contrast to the spiced cookie base.
• Dried Plums (Prunes): Add a touch of natural sweetness and enhance the “sugarplum” theme.
• Sparkling Sugar: Creates a magical, frosted look while adding a subtle crunch to the exterior.
• Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the cookies with comforting holiday aromas.
• Butter and Brown Sugar: Ensure a soft, rich texture with just the right amount of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in Fruits: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped dried plums.

Chill the Dough:

6. Chill: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Shape and Roll:

7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and roll each ball in sparkling sugar to coat.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake and Cool:

10. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
11. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies can be enjoyed in many festive ways:

• On a Holiday Dessert Platter: Arrange with other festive cookies for a show-stopping presentation.
• As Edible Gifts: Pack in decorative tins or jars and give as heartfelt holiday gifts.
• With Hot Beverages: Serve alongside hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a warm cup of tea.
• For Cookie Exchanges: These cookies are perfect for swapping at holiday cookie parties.
• As an Anytime Treat: Enjoy one (or two) as a sweet snack during a cozy evening by the fire.

Additional Tips for Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter ensures proper creaming with the sugars for a smooth dough.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the cookies’ shape during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: For soft and chewy cookies, remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg make a noticeable difference in the flavor.
• Double the Recipe: These cookies are so popular, you may want to bake a double batch!

Recipe Variations for Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies:

1. Orange-Infused Cookies: Add orange zest and a tablespoon of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
2. White Chocolate Cranberry: Mix in white chocolate chips for added sweetness.
3. Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
4. Gingerbread Spice: Add ground ginger and cloves for a gingerbread-inspired flavor.
5. Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for an elegant finish.
6. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
7. Almond Cranberry: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty aroma.
8. Sugar-Free Sparkle: Use a sugar substitute and sugar-free sparkling sugar for a lower-sugar option.
9. Mixed Fruit Medley: Use a combination of dried fruits like apricots, cherries, and raisins.
10. Spiced Plum Only: Focus on dried plums only and add cardamom for a unique flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Roll the cookie dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment for Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies easier:

1. Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For efficiently creaming butter and sugar.
2. Mixing Bowls: Multiple sizes for wet and dry ingredients.
3. Wire Whisk: Useful for blending dry ingredients evenly.
4. Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes.
5. Baking Sheets: Non-stick or lined with parchment paper.
6. Cooling Racks: For cooling cookies evenly.
7. Silicone Spatula: Helps scrape every bit of dough from the bowl.
8. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
9. Plastic Wrap: To chill the dough before baking.
10. Wire Rack: Ensures proper cooling without making the cookies soggy.

FAQ Section for Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies without the sparkling sugar?
   Yes, you can skip the sparkling sugar or substitute it with regular granulated sugar for a simpler look.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
   Fresh cranberries may release too much moisture; it’s best to stick with dried cranberries for this recipe.
3. How do I make the cookies chewier?
   Use brown sugar instead of some of the granulated sugar to enhance chewiness.
4. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
5. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
   Absolutely! Both the dough and baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies bring the magic of the holidays to life with their glittering sugar coating, soft texture, and burst of tangy cranberry flavor. Perfectly festive and easy to prepare, these cookies are ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a warm mug of cocoa by the fire. Their stunning appearance and delightful taste make them a standout addition to your holiday baking traditions.

With a harmonious blend of tart cranberries, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness, these cookies capture the essence of the season in every bite. You can customize them with your favorite holiday flavors—try adding orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies are a surefire way to spread holiday cheer.

I can’t wait to see how your Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies turn out! Share your creations on social media and tag me so I can admire your holiday baking magic. Happy holidays and happy baking!