Hello, my dear friends! It’s Mrs. Claus, coming to you from the heart of the North Pole, where the ovens are warm, the snowflakes are twinkling, and the spirit of Christmas is alive in every corner. Today, I’m sharing not just a recipe, but a piece of my heart. These Sparkling Sugar Plum Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a tradition passed down through generations, lovingly baked, and joyfully shared.
So, tie on your apron, gather your family, and let’s dive into the magic of baking together!
The Story Behind the Sparkle
These cookies trace their origins back to my childhood in a little village nestled in snowy hills. My grandmother, “Nana Plum,” was the mastermind behind this recipe. Her kitchen was always filled with the smell of butter and sugar, and she believed that a little sparkle made everything better.
She created these cookies as a way to brighten long winter nights. The dried plums (or as she lovingly called them, “sugar plums”) were a winter pantry staple, and she’d roll the cookies in sanding sugar to mimic the twinkle of stars on a frosty evening.
When I married Santa and moved to the North Pole, I brought Nana Plum’s recipe with me, and it quickly became a favorite here too. Santa loves sneaking these cookies straight from the cooling rack, and the elves say they’re their “fuel” during the busiest toy-making weeks.
Why These Cookies Mean So Much
Every time I bake these cookies, I feel a connection to my roots and the people I love. They remind me of cozy afternoons in Nana Plum’s kitchen, where love and laughter were the main ingredients.
Now, these cookies hold a new meaning for me. They’re a way to bring warmth to the North Pole and spread joy beyond it. Baking them has become a tradition that connects generations, from my grandmother to the elves (who consider themselves honorary grandchildren), and now to you.
The Recipe: Sparkling Sugar Plum Cookies
Let’s bring some sparkle to your kitchen with this recipe straight from mine. It’s easy to make, fun to bake, and even more delightful to share.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional, but oh-so-festive!)
- ½ cup finely chopped dried plums (prunes work beautifully)
- ¼ cup finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are lovely)
- Sanding sugar (in festive colors)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. - Add the Egg and Extracts:
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined. - Combine and Fold:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the dried plums and nuts. - Shape and Sparkle:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in sanding sugar to coat generously. - Bake:
Place the sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. - Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
The Magic of Baking Together
These cookies are so much more than their ingredients. They’re an opportunity to connect with loved ones, share stories, and create new traditions. One of my favorite memories is baking these cookies with the elves—they giggle every time they roll the dough in sparkling sugar and inevitably end up sparkling themselves!
Santa often pops into the kitchen while they’re baking, drawn by the smell, and sneaks one (or three!) while they’re still warm. He always says, “Ho ho ho, my dear, you’ve outdone yourself again!”
A Cookie That Keeps Giving
Whether you’re baking these for a holiday gathering, as a gift, or for a quiet moment with a mug of cocoa, I hope these cookies bring as much joy to your home as they do to ours at the North Pole. Sprinkle them with love, and they’ll shine just like the magic of the season.
Now it’s your turn to carry on the tradition. Bake a batch, share them with your loved ones, and make memories that will sparkle for years to come.
With love and warm wishes,
Mrs. Claus 🎄❤️
P.S. If you bake these cookies, send me a note or a photo—I’d love to see the sparkle you’ve added to your holiday!
