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 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 these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe – they smell like holiday magic and taste like a little soft, chewy hug in cookie form. The jam is bursting with warm spices and the syrup glaze adds just the right sparkle to every bite. Honestly, they’ve become my favorite cozy treat to bake when I want to impress guests or just indulge!

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 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

These cookies aren’t just your everyday sweet treat — they bring a unique combo of fragrant spiced plum jam and a tender, chewy texture that sticks with you. Plus, I’ve found they're surprisingly easy to make and hold up beautifully for days thanks to the syrup coating.

Soft and Chewy Texture: The olive oil keeps these cookies irresistibly tender, unlike typical butter-based cookies that can get dry fast.
Homemade Spiced Plum Jam: Infused with cinnamon and cardamom, the jam adds a cozy warmth that’s subtle but so memorable.
Festive and Colorful: The syrup dip – tinted with blue and purple food coloring – adds an eye-catching glaze perfect for holiday celebrations.
Long-Lasting Freshness: Thanks to the syrup coating, these cookies stay soft and flavorful for several days, making them ideal to bake ahead.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on simple pantry staples combined with fresh plums and a few warm spices. Each ingredient plays a role to create those melt-in-your-mouth cookies topped with a beautifully spiced jam.

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: Fresh, ripe plums are key for that natural sweetness and vivid jam flavor–make sure to pit and cube them evenly for smooth cooking.
Granulated Sugar: Used three times—in the jam, the dough, and for coating—to balance tartness and add texture.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting backbone that ties the flavors together in both jam and dough.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the jam, preventing it from being cloyingly sweet and enhancing the plum’s natural tartness.
Cinnamon Stick & Cardamom Pods: These whole spices infuse the jam with that subtle, warm aroma without overwhelming your palate.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness in the dough.
Eggs: Give structure and richness to the cookie dough, helping it hold together while staying soft.
Olive Oil: This keeps the cookies tender and adds a gentle earthiness; if you’re not loving that flavor, neutral oil works fine too.
Milk: Just a bit to loosen the dough and enrich the texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for structure—make sure to spoon and level for accuracy to keep the cookie texture just right.
Baking Powder: Provides a gentle lift so the cookies don’t flatten too much.
Water, Rosemary Sprig, Food Coloring: Used in the syrup dip for that gorgeous glaze and delicate herbal hint.
Sugared Rosemary Sprigs: A charming decorative touch that smells amazing and looks festive on your cookie platter.

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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 love playing around with this recipe depending on the season and guest preferences. You can easily swap ingredients or try fun additions to personalize these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe.

Variation: I’ve swapped olive oil for light coconut oil once to add a subtle tropical note—worked surprisingly well! You could also try grape seed or avocado oil if you want neutral flavors.
Dietary Twist: For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk without losing the soft texture.
Seasonal Jam Swap: While plum jam is my favorite here, you can experiment with spiced apple or cranberry jam if plums aren’t in season.
Spice Adjustments: If you want something a tad bolder, throw in a small piece of star anise or a dash of ground cloves during jam simmering – just don’t overdo it!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced 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 combining the cubed plums, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods in a medium saucepan. Simmer gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the plums break down and the mixture thickens into a jam — about 20-25 minutes. Don’t rush this step; slow simmering helps those spices infuse perfectly without turning bitter. Once cooled, remove the cinnamon and cardamom.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and sea salt with the eggs until light and fluffy. Slowly pour in the olive oil and milk, then stir in vanilla extract. In another bowl, sift the flour and baking powder, then fold it into the wet ingredients until you have a smooth dough. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutter (I often use small rounds) to cut shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then spoon a small dollop of spiced plum jam in the center of each cookie. Gently fold and pinch the dough around the jam, sealing it well. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye so they don’t brown too much.

Step 4: Prepare the Colored Syrup Dip

While your cookies bake, combine water, sugar, vanilla extract, and rosemary sprig in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the syrup slightly thickens. Divide the syrup into two bowls and add blue food coloring to one, purple to the other, stirring until vibrant. The colors make these cookies really stand out at holiday gatherings.

Step 5: Dip and Sugar-Coat the Cookies

As soon as you pull the cookies from the oven and they’re still warm, dip each one briefly into the colored syrup to coat. Then roll it in the extra granulated sugar for a sparkling, sweet crust. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Garnish with Sugared Rosemary

Finally, add those gorgeous sugared rosemary sprigs on your serving platter not just for looks but also a lovely, piney aroma that complements the spiced jam perfectly.

Top Tip

After making this Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe a few times, I’ve picked up some handy tips that really make the process smoother and the results pop with flavor and texture.

Jam Consistency: Be patient with the jam simmering; it should be thick enough to hold but not too stiff—you want a luscious, spreadable texture that doesn’t spill out during baking.
Dough Handling: Keep your dough chilled for 15-20 minutes before rolling if your kitchen is warm; it’s easier to work with and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Syrup Dip Speed: Dip the cookies while they’re still warm to help the syrup absorb better, giving you that perfect glossy finish that isn’t sticky or runny.
Seal the Jam Well: I learned this the hard way — pinch the edges of the cookies tight around the jam to avoid leaks during baking. A little flour on your fingers helps to seal edges smoothly.

How to Serve Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I love to garnish with those sugared rosemary sprigs because they not only look festive but impart an inviting herbal scent that makes the whole experience more special. Sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect, especially around Christmas.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of hot spiced tea, mulled wine, or even a creamy latte – the warmth and spices in the drinks beautifully echo those in the cookies. A small cheese board with mild cheeses and fresh fruit also balances the sweetness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to arrange these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe on a beautiful wooden board surrounded by fresh plum slices, sprigs of rosemary, and little bowls of extra jam. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine to give as gifts is always a hit, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store these cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They last soft and flavorful at room temperature for about 4-5 days thanks to that syrup coating, which is fantastic if you want to bake early.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen uncoated cookies before baking — just lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, pop them straight in the oven and continue with the syrup dip and sugar coating after baking. This method keeps the jam fresh and the cookies soft.

Reheating

If your cookies get a bit chilled or firm, warming them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave softens them up nicely. Just be careful not to overheat or the jam might get too runny.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen plums for the jam?

Frozen plums can work if fresh plums aren’t available—just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking. The jam might be a bit thinner, so simmer it slightly longer to thicken as needed.

What if I don’t want to use olive oil?

You can substitute olive oil with a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable, canola, or light avocado oil. Keep in mind that olive oil lends a subtle earthiness and helps keep the cookies tender, but it’s perfectly fine to switch if that’s not your favorite flavor.

How long can I keep these cookies fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days thanks to the syrup coating that seals in moisture.

Can I make the jam in advance?

Absolutely! The spiced plum jam can be made a day or two ahead and refrigerated. This actually allows the flavors to develop more deeply. Just bring it to room temperature before using it to fill the cookies.

Final Thoughts

This Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe is one of those handful of cookies I always come back to during the holidays because it feels so special but doesn't require fancy ingredients or techniques. Every bite wraps you in comforting spices and a subtle fruity sweetness that’s just irresistible. Trust me, once you try baking these, you’ll want to keep them in your repertoire for every festive occasion—or just because.