Name: Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum 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 tablespoons 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 the combination of tender cookies paired with a warm, spiced plum jam that makes these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe stand out. They’re soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet and fragrant—a perfect treat for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.

A small white container lined with crumpled light brown parchment paper holds about a dozen sugar-coated purple and green round treats that look like sugared berries or small fruits, each topped with a small green stem. Around the container, a few of the same treats lie scattered on a white marbled surface, with one broken open revealing a red jam filling and yellow cake inside. In the soft background, there is a blurred red ribbon and white festive decorations. The image is bright and soft-focused, showing the sugary texture clearly. 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 Plum Jam Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe have been the star of my holiday cookie tray. They bring that cozy feeling of winter warmth with every bite, and the homemade spiced plum jam is like a little gift wrapped inside each cookie.

Soft & Chewy Texture: Thanks to olive oil and eggs, the dough stays tender and moist every time.
Unique Flavor: The warm spices infused in the plum jam create a subtle, cozy flavor that’s festive without overpowering sweetness.
Beautiful Presentation: Dipped in colored syrup and rolled in sugar, these cookies look as good as they taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The syrup and jam keep these cookies soft for days, perfect for prepping in advance during busy times.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role in creating the balance of taste, texture, and aroma. I’ve learned over multiple batches that picking the right plums and using a bit of olive oil makes all the difference.

Flat lay of fresh whole plums cut into cubes in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of clear lemon juice, a fresh cinnamon stick, three green cardamom pods, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of sea salt, a small white bowl of water, a fresh rosemary sprig, a small white bowl of extra granulated sugar for coating, and a few fresh sugared rosemary sprigs, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions and fresh natural appearance, placed 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: Use ripe but firm plums to make a jam that’s sweet and fragrant without being watery.
Granulated sugar: It sweetens both the jam and the cookie dough for a perfectly balanced sweetness.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and warm undertones to the jam and dough.
Lemon juice: Brightens the plum jam while helping to preserve its color.
Cinnamon stick: Infuses a subtle warmth into the jam without overwhelming the fruit's natural flavor.
Cardamom pods: Add a unique aromatic spice that pairs beautifully with plums.
Sea salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cookies.
Extra virgin olive oil: Keeps the cookies tender and chewy; a mild, fruity oil works best.
Milk: Gives moisture and helps bind the dough.
All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough for great texture.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently for softness.
Water: Used to create the syrup that the cookies get dipped into.
Rosemary sprig: Adds a fresh, piney note to the syrup and used for garnishing too.
Food coloring (blue & purple): Gives a festive, colorful finish that reminds me of holiday cheer.
Extra sugar (for coating): Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the cookie's surface.

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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

While I adore the classic spiced plum jam version, I often experiment a bit depending on the season or what I’m craving. Making this recipe your own is easy and makes it even more fun!

Variation: Try swapping the olive oil for melted butter if you want a richer flavor, though the texture might be a bit different. I did this once for a friend who preferred butter and they loved it!
Dietary Adjustment: Use a dairy-free milk for a vegan-friendly dough, and substitute the eggs with flax eggs—they work surprisingly well here.
Seasonal Spin: Instead of plums, try making the jam with cherries or blueberries if you want to switch it up.

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

The image shows a light pink marbled surface with scattered dark purple plums, some whole and one cut open revealing bright red flesh. Purple sugar-coated fruits with greenish-blue highlights are placed among the plums. A dark-skinned ballerina figurine wearing a white and pink tutu with her arms raised is lying on the surface, adding a whimsical touch. Small sprigs of green herbs are scattered around the fruits and figurine. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Make the Spiced Plum Jam

Start by prepping your plums—pit and cube them evenly. In a saucepan, combine plums, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. I simmer it gently over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. This process takes around 20–25 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens and turns jammy. Remove the cinnamon and cardamom pods before moving on. The scent fills my kitchen with such warm holiday vibes every time.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

While the jam cools, whisk together the sugar, eggs, olive oil, milk, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until you have a soft, pliable dough. It shouldn’t be too sticky—if it is, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. I find this helps make handling the dough much easier.

Step 3: Shape and Fill Your Cookies

Roll out the dough into small balls—about the size of a walnut. Flatten each slightly, add a generous dollop of the cooled spiced plum jam in the center, then carefully fold or pinch the edges to seal. This step takes some patience—don’t rush it, or you might lose some jam during baking. I usually keep my hands lightly floured to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Make the Colored Syrup & Dip

Combine water, sugar, vanilla, and a rosemary sprig in a pot and bring to a gentle simmer until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove the rosemary and divide the syrup into two bowls, adding a drop or two of blue food coloring into one, and purple into the other. This syrup will keep the cookies soft and give them a wonderful, glossy finish.

Step 5: Bake, Dip & Coat

Bake the filled cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until they’re lightly golden. While they’re still warm, dip each cookie into your colored syrup, then roll it in sugar for that sparkling finish. Place on a wire rack to cool. They’ll soak up the syrup gently, staying soft and irresistibly chewy—my favorite part to watch happen!

Top Tip

Making these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe taught me a few things that really help keep them perfect every time. Here’s what I wish I knew from day one!

Jam Consistency: Let the plum jam cool fully before filling the cookies to avoid it leaking during baking.
Sealing Edges: Pinch the dough edges firmly but gently; if your dough is too warm, chill it to make this easier.
Syrup Dip Timing: Dip cookies while still warm but not hot so they absorb the syrup evenly without falling apart.
Rolling Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar to coat the cookies—it creates the best sparkle and crunch.

How to Serve Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite way to finish these cookies is with a sprig of sugared rosemary on top. It looks festive and adds a subtle herbal note that complements the spice and fruit flavors beautifully. If you don’t have sugared rosemary, a light dusting of powdered sugar works just as well for a snowy touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies are a perfect match with a hot cup of spiced tea or mulled wine, making them ideal for winter gatherings. For a less traditional twist, I serve them alongside tangy cream cheese or mascarpone—it adds a creamy contrast that’s irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging these cookies on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and small bowls of extra plum jam for dipping. Sometimes I tie a small bundle of two cookies with a festive ribbon—makes the perfect edible gift station for guests to take home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. The syrup coating helps keep them soft, and I find they stay perfectly chewy for up to 5 days. If you notice the sugar coating softening a bit, just sprinkle a little fresh sugar on top before serving.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well if you want to prep ahead. I freeze them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer into a sealed freezer bag. When thawed at room temperature, they maintain their texture and flavor nicely, with only a slight softening of the sugar crust.

Reheating

To freshen up leftover or thawed cookies, gently warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or so. This revives their chewy texture and the subtle aroma of the spices without drying them out. Just make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t crisp too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen plums for the spiced plum jam?

Frozen plums can work if you thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the jam’s flavor and consistency. Fresh plums are best but frozen is a convenient alternative.

What if I don’t have cardamom pods?

If you don’t have cardamom pods, you can substitute with a pinch of ground cardamom or even a small piece of star anise for a slightly different but complementary flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. I recommend blends that already include xanthan gum for the best texture. The cookies bake up just as soft and delicious.

Is it okay to use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin?

While extra virgin olive oil adds a nice fruity layer of flavor, you can use a regular or light olive oil or even a neutral oil like grapeseed if you prefer. The cookies will still have that soft texture.

Final Thoughts

These Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Plum Jam Recipe hold a special place in my kitchen, especially around the holidays. Their warm spices, tender crumb, and glossy, sugary finish always bring smiles to the table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s a fun project with results worth sharing with friends and family. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep them in your cookie rotation for years to come!