Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies combine the festive flavors of tart cranberries and sweet sugarplum, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season. With a soft, chewy texture and a hint of spice, these cookies are finished off with a glimmering sugar crust that adds a beautiful, festive touch. They are not only a delight for your taste buds but also for the eyes.

ingredients

• flour
• unsalted butter
• granulated sugar
• brown sugar
• eggs
• vanilla extract
• baking soda
• ground cinnamon
• ground nutmeg
• dried cranberries
• sugarplum preserves or jam
• coarse sparkling sugar (for rolling)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Fold in the dried cranberries and a spoonful of sugarplum preserves or jam.

Scoop out spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the coarse sparkling sugar.

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Use fresh cranberries for a tart burst of flavor, but chop them up before mixing.
• Add white chocolate chips for a sweet, creamy contrast to the tart cranberries.
• Substitute the sugarplum preserves with apricot or raspberry preserves for a different fruity twist.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the dough.

storage/reheating

Store Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To enjoy them warm, reheat in a microwave for 5-10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but chop them up before mixing, as fresh cranberries can be quite tart.

What makes the cookies “sparkling”?
The sparkling sugar coating adds a shimmering, festive touch to the cookies’ appearance and enhances their sweetness.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before baking.

Can I substitute sugarplum preserves?
Yes, you can use any fruit jam or preserves, such as apricot, raspberry, or blueberry, for a similar texture and sweetness.

How can I make these cookies less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and glaze for a less sugary taste.

Conclusion

Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies are a vibrant, festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With their chewy texture, fruity flavor, and sparkling sugar coating, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. Whether for a party or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress.

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