These Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies are a festive treat! With juicy cranberries and a touch of sparkle, they’re perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea.
Who can say no to cookies that shine like holiday lights? I love the crunch of the sugar on top, and they look so pretty on the plate. They’re a fun way to spread some cheer! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives the cookies a rich flavor. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use regular salted butter; just reduce the salt in the recipe to balance it out. Some also prefer using coconut oil for a dairy-free option!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe, but frozen ones also work well. If cranberries are too tart for you, try using dried cranberries for a sweeter twist. Just chop them smaller to mix well in the dough!
Sugarplums: If you can’t find sugarplums, chopped dried plums (prunes) are a perfect substitute. They add sweetness and moisture to the cookies. You can even mix in other dried fruits like apricots for a different flavor!
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just make sure it includes a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to maintain the texture.
How Do You Achieve the Right Cookie Texture?
Getting that perfect soft, crumbly texture requires attention during mixing and baking. Here’s how:
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps it cream nicely with the sugar.
- Avoid overmixing once you add flour. Mix just until you see no dry flour; this keeps the cookies tender.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! If your dough feels too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
- While baking, keep an eye on the cookies. They may look slightly underbaked when you take them out, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped sugarplums or substitute with chopped dried plums (prunes) if sugarplums aren’t available
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 12-14 minutes for baking. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool for a bit before enjoying them, making the total time around 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, take that softened butter and add in the 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them together until it’s light and fluffy. This is the foundation of your cookies, so mix well!
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Now it’s time to incorporate the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. You’ll start to smell the delicious aroma of vanilla!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients before you mix them in.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients with Creamed Mixture:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into your creamed butter mixture. Stir just until combined. Be gentle here, as over-mixing can make your cookies tough!
6. Fold in the Fruits:
Time to add the good stuff! Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and sugarplums (or prunes). Make sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough for tasty bites in every cookie.
7. Roll the Dough Balls:
On a small plate, pour some extra granulated sugar. Using either a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, form dough balls and roll each one in the sugar to get a nice coating.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place your coated dough balls on the lined baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie. This ensures they have enough space to spread while baking.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for slightly golden edges and a soft center.
10. Cool the Cookies:
Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
After cooling, give your sparkly cookies a lovely dusting of powdered sugar. This step adds a festive touch and makes them look so pretty!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to enjoy these delicious treats! They’re perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or savoring with a cup of tea. Happy baking!
This recipe yields soft, crumbly cookies with a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors, and the sparkling sugar coating adds a festive touch that’s perfect for holiday celebrations!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just chop them up and add them directly to the dough. They will thaw as the cookies bake and maintain their tart flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Sugarplums?
If you can’t find sugarplums, chopped dried plums (prunes) are a great substitute. They provide similar sweetness and moisture. You could also experiment with other dried fruits, like apricots or cherries, for a different flavor profile!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! Just refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and roll the dough into balls, then coat them in sugar right before baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just ensure they’re in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!