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Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies 🍪✨

Irresistible Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies for Holiday Joy

Indulge in delightful Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies, infused with orange zest and crunchy pecans, perfect for festive gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar No substitutions needed for this classic flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Can be swapped with additional granulated sugar if in a pinch.
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Margarine can substitute, may slightly alter flavor.
  • 1 cup Pecans (chopped) Can swap with any preferred nuts, or omit for nut-free recipes.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk For vegan options, use a flax egg (1Tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 Tbsp water).
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon No substitutions noted.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cloves No substitutions noted.
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest Lemon zest can be an alternative for different flavor.
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup Jam Feel free to substitute with your favorite fruit preserve.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • mixing bowl
  • pastry blender
  • Parchment Paper
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325ºF (165°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, cloves, and chopped pecans, then add granulated and brown sugar.
  3. Cut in the unsalted butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
  4. Add the egg yolk and orange zest, knead until smooth, then wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Roll the dough to ½-inch thickness and use cookie cutters to shape.
  6. Place cut-out cookies on baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
  7. Spread a light layer of jam over the center of each cookie.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden-brown.
  9. Sprinkle with granulated sugar after baking and cool for 5 minutes.
  10. Serve on a festive platter and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

These cookies are completely vegetarian and a fabulous alternative to store-bought options for a homemade touch.

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