Name: Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups plums (pitted and cut into cubes); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 inch piece cinnamon stick; 3 cardamom pods; 1 cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 2 large eggs (room temperature); ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (or neutral oil); 3 tablespoons milk (whole milk or your preferred milk); 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all purpose flour (360g); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 inch rosemary sprig; blue food coloring (as needed); purple food coloring (as needed); ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating); Sugared rosemary sprigs (for decorating)

There’s something truly magical about baking cookies that feel like a warm hug. This Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe brings classic holiday charm right into your kitchen with soft, chewy dough, fragrant spiced plum jam, and a colorful, sweet syrup coating that keeps them wonderfully fresh for days. It’s exactly the kind of treat that makes you want to bake them 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 remember the first time I made these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe — the whole house smelled like a cozy holiday spice market. Beyond the delicious flavor, what wins me over is the unique combination of a chewy cookie, a homemade plum jam, and that glossy syrup dip that makes every bite pop.

Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to olive oil and eggs, these cookies stay tender and never dry out.
Unique Spiced Plum Jam: The homemade jam combines warm cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla for a subtle but unforgettable flavor boost.
Decorative and Festive: The colored syrup dip with blue and purple hues plus sugared rosemary sprigs makes them perfect for holiday gifting or cookie trays.
Long-Lasting Freshness: The syrup coating locks in moisture so these treats stay soft and delicious for days.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, so it's worth understanding them a bit. Plus, knowing what to look for at the store can save you a kitchen emergency or two!

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

Fresh Plums: The heart of the plum jam, ripe but firm plums give natural sweetness and a beautiful color without needing extra fruit sugar.
Granulated Sugar: Used both in the jam and as a coating, it balances tartness and adds that sparkle on the outside.
Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla goes a long way enhancing the fruity and spicy flavors.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness to the plum jam and helps preserve its lovely color.
Cinnamon Stick and Cardamom Pods: These warm spices infuse the jam with a cozy aroma that feels festive but never overpowering.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch rounds out the flavors and balances sweetness in the dough.
Eggs (Room Temperature): They bind the dough and contribute to tender crumb texture.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Keeps cookies soft while lending a subtle earthy note; neutral oil can be a substitute if preferred.
Milk: Helps with dough moisture and tenderness.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure.
Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a light rise without puffing them up too much.
Water and Rosemary Sprig: Used in the syrup dip to add delicate herbal freshness and thin the colored syrup just right.
Blue & Purple Food Coloring: For that enchanting holiday look — just a few drops make a big impact!
Sugared Rosemary Sprigs: A beautiful finishing touch that adds sparkle and scent.

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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 like to experiment by swapping out fresh plums for other stone fruits in season, like cherries or apricots — the jam stays fabulously fragrant and so delicious. Don’t be shy about customizing the spice blend or syrup colors too; these cookies are a great canvas for your creativity.

Variation: One time, I added a pinch of ground ginger to the jam, and it brought a lovely warmth that paired beautifully with the plum flavor.
Oil Swap: Neutral oils like canola or avocado work well if you’re not a fan of olive oil’s distinct notes.
Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk — the dough still comes out tender and tasty.

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 Fragrant Spiced Plum Jam

Start by heating the plums with sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently as the fruit breaks down and the jam thickens. This slow simmer lets the spices infuse deeply without overwhelming the natural plum sweetness. Remember to remove the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods before using the jam to avoid any surprise bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Soft Cookie Dough

While the jam cools, whisk together sugar, salt, eggs, olive oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking powder to keep your cookies light and airy. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently — don’t overmix or you’ll risk tougher cookies. The dough will be soft and a bit sticky, which is just perfect for our chewy texture.

Step 3: Bake and Cool the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls and place on a lined baking sheet. You want enough space around each cookie because they'll puff a bit. Bake for about 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until they’re just set but still soft to the touch. Let them cool completely before the dipping step — this helps the syrup adhere better without melting the cookies.

Step 4: Dip in Colorful Spiced Syrup and Coat with Sugar

Make the syrup by simmering water, sugar, vanilla, and a sprig of rosemary. Divide and color the syrup using blue and purple food coloring to make the cookies festive. Dip each cookie halfway, then roll in granulated sugar for that beautiful glistening look. The syrup seals in moisture, making these cookies stay soft and extra special for days.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Once the syrup layer sets slightly, spoon a dollop of your spiced plum jam onto each cookie’s center. Garnish with a sugared rosemary sprig — it looks stunning and adds a refreshing herbal scent every time you bite in. Serve right away or store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these tips make a big difference in how your Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe turn out — I learned most of them through happy accidents and re-bakes!

Use Room Temperature Eggs: This ensures better mixing and a smooth cookie dough without lumps.
Don’t Skip the Cooling: Let both jam and cookies cool properly before assembly; warm ingredients can cause melting or sogginess.
Manage the Syrup Colors: Add food coloring gradually—it's easier to deepen the shade than lighten it.
Roll Dough Balls by Hand: Slightly sticky dough is good; if it clings too much, chill it briefly rather than adding more flour.

How to Serve Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I love using sugared rosemary sprigs for garnishing because they bring festive sparkle and a lovely pine-woodsy aroma that complements the cookie’s warmth. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra colored sugar or edible glitter for holiday parties—it’s all about that extra shine!

Side Dishes

Pair these sugar plum cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or a creamy hot chocolate for that perfect cozy vibe. They also go surprisingly well with a cheese platter featuring mild and creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone, balancing the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or parties, try layering these cookies in a clear glass jar with some extra plum jam and rosemary sprigs tucked in between layers. You can also arrange them on a rustic wood platter nestled among pinecones and fairy lights to make your cookie display truly eye-catching.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sugar plum cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture. They keep their soft texture really well for up to five days—perfect for stretching holiday indulgence!

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend freezing the plain baked cookies without syrup or jam first. Lay them flat on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and then dip in syrup and assemble—this keeps flavors and textures fresher.

Reheating

To revive leftover cookies, I gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This softens the edges without drying out the jam or syrup coating—almost like they’ve just been baked fresh again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen plums for the spiced jam?

Yes! Frozen plums work perfectly well for this recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain off any extra liquid before cooking to prevent your jam from becoming too watery.

What if I don’t have blue or purple food coloring?

No worries! You can skip the food coloring altogether or use natural alternatives like blueberry or blackberry juice for a similar hue. The cookies will still taste amazing even without the vibrant colors.

Can I make the plum jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! The plum jam can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight jar in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the cookies for best results.

Why do the cookies stay soft after dipping in syrup?

The syrup coating locks in moisture and keeps the cookies from drying out, giving them that soft, chewy texture for several days. It’s one of my favorite tricks to make sure these treats stay fresh beyond the first bite!

Final Thoughts

Making these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe always feels like welcoming a little holiday magic into the kitchen. They bring warmth, color, and nostalgia all wrapped up in one bite, plus they're surprisingly simple to make once you get the hang of the steps. Trust me, once you try them, they'll become a cherished tradition you’ll want to share year after year.