There’s something instantly magical about these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe—a tender, chewy cookie bursting with a fragrant, warm-spiced plum jam. They feel like a holiday hug on a plate, and I promise, you’ll want to bake these again and again.

A white container lined with crumpled light brown paper holds about a dozen small round treats that look like purple and green berries coated in sugar granules, each with a small green sprig on top. Around the container on a white marbled surface are three more of these sugar-coated berry-like treats scattered loosely, with one broken in half revealing a light yellow cake inside and a dark red filling in the center. The background is softly decorated with blurred white and pink holiday items, including a red ribbon and lights. 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 Jam Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I really adore making this Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe because it combines everything I want in a holiday treat: softness, spice, and a burst of natural fruit flavor. It’s not just a cookie—it’s a little celebration in every bite.

Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to olive oil in the dough and the syrup soak, these cookies stay tender for days without drying out.
Fragrant Spiced Jam: The homemade plum jam infuses warm notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla—perfect for the holidays.
Beautiful Presentation: Dipping the cookies in colored syrup makes them festive and eye-catching, especially with sugared rosemary sprigs.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These hold up well in storage and even freeze nicely, making them convenient for holiday prepping.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part in making these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe sing. The olive oil keeps the dough moist, while the blend of spices in the plum jam creates a complex but subtle flavor you'll savor. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need and why it’s important.

Flat lay of fresh whole purple plums with smooth skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine granulated sugar, a few whole green cardamom pods, a 2-inch cinnamon stick with rich brown bark texture, a fresh lemon wedge showing juicy pulp, two large whole brown eggs with clean uncracked shells, a small white ceramic bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding pure vanilla extract, a neat pile of all-purpose flour with a fine soft texture, a few coarse grains of sea salt scattered beside, a fresh green rosemary sprig, and a small white ceramic bowl of water, all arranged symmetrically and balanced 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, ripe plums give the jam its juicy sweetness and beautiful color.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the fruit and sweetens the cookies and syrup.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the jam and dough.
Lemon Juice: Enhances the plums’ natural brightness and preserves the jam’s vibrant color.
Cinnamon Stick & Cardamom Pods: Infuse the jam with cozy, irresistible spice notes.
Sea Salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Large Eggs: Bind the dough and add richness.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Keeps cookies soft and adds a subtle earthiness; can substitute with neutral oil if preferred.
Milk: Moisturizes the dough without weighing it down.
All-Purpose Flour & Baking Powder: Form the cookie’s structure and give it just the right rise.
Water & Rosemary Sprig: Used for the coloring syrup soak that keeps cookies moist and adds aromatic charm.
Blue & Purple Food Coloring: Create the signature festive colors for the syrup dip.
Sugared Rosemary Sprigs: Perfect garnish with a sweet herbal crunch.

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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

I’m all about making recipes your own, and with this Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe, it’s easy. I like tweaking the spice blend or swapping out the plum jam for a berry version once in a while. You can get creative while sticking to the essence of what makes these cookies special.

Variation: I’ve experimented with adding a pinch of ground ginger or star anise to the plum jam, which adds warmth without overpowering the fruit—try it if you want a little twist.
Dietary swap: For dairy-free, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk—they work beautifully here.
Color play: If you prefer, swap the blue and purple syrup colors for a rich red or gold for a different festive look.

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

The image shows several dark purple plums, some whole and one cut open to reveal a bright red inside, scattered on a white marbled surface. Among the plums are three light purple, sugar-coated fruit pieces with a frosted texture. To the right, there is a small ballerina figurine with dark brown skin, wearing a pink and white tutu, posed gracefully with one arm raised and one leg extended. Small green leaves are also scattered around, adding a touch of natural detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Make the Spiced Plum Jam

Start by cubing your plums—no need for perfect pieces, just small enough to break down quickly. Combine them with sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods in a saucepan. Simmer gently until the fruit softens and the mixture thickens to a luscious jam. Stir often so it doesn’t stick or burn, and remove the spices before using. Trust me, this jam is the heart of your cookies!

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

While the jam cools, whisk together your eggs, olive oil, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough. It’s ok if it’s a little tacky—that’s part of what keeps these cookies so tender!

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Spoon out small balls of dough—about a tablespoon each works well. Flatten them gently on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Then, dollop a spoonful of your cooled plum jam in the center before sealing the edges around it. This trapping of jam inside creates a beautiful surprise once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the filled cookies at a moderate temperature until they’re just set and lightly golden around the edges. Keep a close eye—I usually start checking around 12 minutes to avoid over-baking. Then, let them cool before the best part: the syrup bath!

Step 5: The Colorful Syrup Dip and Sugar Coating

Mix water, sugar, vanilla, and fresh rosemary in a small pot, warming until the sugar dissolves and the syrup is fragrant. Split this syrup into two bowls and add blue food coloring to one, purple to the other. Dip each cookie first in blue, then in purple syrup—or vice versa—to get those holiday-ready hues. Immediately roll them in sugar to add a crystal sparkle and seal in that moist softness.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy

Finish your cookies by resting them on a rack to set, then adorn each with a sugared rosemary sprig for a pop of festive green and a sweet herbal crunch. Serve up with your favorite hot drink and watch these disappear fast!

Top Tip

From my many batches, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe truly shine. These tips saved me from common cookie pitfalls and should help you nail it on your first try.

Jam Thickness Matters: Make sure your plum jam is thick enough so it doesn’t leak during baking. Simmer it low and slow until it coats the back of a spoon.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep cookies tender. Over-mixing develops gluten and can make them tough.
Control Your Baking Time: Pull the cookies out when the edges just start to brown. The residual heat will finish them perfectly.
Use Fresh Spices: The cinnamon stick and cardamom pods infuse warmth gently—fresh ones will give a more vibrant flavor.

How to Serve Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I love to garnish these cookies with sugared rosemary sprigs—not only do they look gorgeous, but the sweet herbal crunch pairs beautifully with the fruitiness of the jam. Sometimes, I also sprinkle edible silver dust or decorate with tiny stars for a little festive sparkle.

Side Dishes

These cookies are lovely with a warm cup of spiced tea, mulled wine, or even a creamy hot chocolate. For gatherings, I like serving them alongside a cheese board with mild cheeses and fresh fruit to balance the sweet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and ribbons of red velvet. You can also stack them in glass jars tied with twine as charming edible gifts. They really make any occasion feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The syrup soak helps keep them soft and luscious, so they don’t dry out like typical cookies.

Freezing

I’ve found these cookies freeze incredibly well—wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and they taste just as fresh as day one!

Reheating

To reheat, pop a few in a warm oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and bring back the lovely aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can make them a bit chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other fruits besides plums in this recipe?

Yes! While plums provide the signature flavor, you can experiment with stone fruits like peaches or cherries. Just adjust the cooking time for the jam depending on the fruit’s water content.

What can I substitute for olive oil if I don’t like its flavor?

You can use a neutral-tasting oil such as vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or even light avocado oil. This will keep cookies soft without adding an earthy note.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Thanks to the syrup soak, these cookies stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I make the plum jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! The plum jam can be made several days ahead and refrigerated. Just bring it back to room temp before filling the cookies, and make sure it’s thick to prevent leaking while baking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe enough, especially when you want a cozy treat that feels both nostalgic and a little bit fancy. Every bite brings a little sparkle to your day—and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen. Give it a shot, and I’m sure you’ll be sharing these sweet delights with friends and family in no time!