Sugar Plum Star Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Sugar Plum Star Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and beautifully spiced with cinnamon and cloves. A sweet layer of raspberry or sugar plum jam adds a fruity surprise, making them perfect for festive occasions or cozy afternoons with tea.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp orange zest
• ½ cup raspberry jam (or sugar plum jam, if available)
• Coarse sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the flour until the dough forms. It will be soft and slightly crumbly.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30–45 minutes until firm but still rollable.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut out star shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Step 7: Carefully transfer the stars to the prepared baking sheets. Use a small spoon or food-safe brush to spread a thin layer of jam in the center of each cookie, keeping inside the edges.
8. Step 8: Lightly sprinkle the cookies with coarse sugar for a sparkling finish.
9. Step 9: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
10. Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• For a festive twist, try using different jams such as apricot or cherry depending on availability and preference.
• If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar topping or skip it altogether.
• Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best texture in your shortbread.
• Use a light dusting of flour on your rolling surface and roller to prevent sticking without adding too much flour to the dough.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. To reheat, let them come to room temperature naturally or warm gently in a low oven to refresh their crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it wrapped for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.

What can I substitute for sugar plum jam?

Raspberry jam is a perfect substitute, but apricot or cherry jam also works well and complements the spices in the dough.

Sugar Plum Star Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Delight in these festive Sugar Plum Star Shortbread Cookies featuring a buttery, spiced dough with hints of orange zest and warm spices, topped with a luscious layer of raspberry or sugar plum jam and a sprinkle of coarse sugar. Perfect for holiday celebrations or as a charming treat any time of year.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shortbread Dough

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp orange zest

Filling and Topping

• ½ cup raspberry jam (or sugar plum jam, if available)
• Coarse sugar for topping

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Instructions

1. Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air for a tender texture.
2. Add spices and zest: Mix in orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt until fully combined to infuse the dough with warm, citrusy flavors.
3. Incorporate flour: Gradually add all-purpose flour while mixing until the dough forms and becomes soft and slightly crumbly but holds together.
4. Chill dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing it to firm up enough to roll easily.
5. Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
6. Roll and cut shapes: On a floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disc to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
7. Arrange on baking sheets: Carefully transfer the cut-out star cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading.
8. Apply jam filling: Using a small spoon or a food-safe paintbrush, gently spread a thin layer of raspberry or sugar plum jam in the center of each cookie, making sure to stay inside the edges to avoid spillover.
9. Add coarse sugar topping: Lightly sprinkle coarse sugar over each cookie for a sparkling, sweet finish and added crunch.
10. Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color, signaling doneness.
11. Cool completely: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool fully on wire racks to firm up before serving or storing.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading and maintain the cookie shapes.
• If sugar plum jam is unavailable, raspberry jam is a delicious substitute that complements the spices well.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For an extra festive touch, you can dust the baked cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Sugar Plum Star Shortbread Cookies, holiday cookies, spiced shortbread, raspberry jam cookies, festive cookies, star-shaped cookies