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Sugar plums

Sugar plums
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Create charming, perfectly sweet Sugar Plums at home with this easy recipe featuring dried fruits, warm spices, almond meal, and natural honey. These festive treats balance sweetness and spice without refined sugar, offering a nostalgic, chewy delight perfect for holidays, snacks, or cozy moments.

Ingredients

Scale

Dried Fruits

  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup currants
  • 1/2 cup chopped dates

Dry Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup almond meal
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp orange zest (freshly grated)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar, for coating (about 1/2 cup)

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp honey (use maple syrup for vegan option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dried Fruit: Finely chop the dried fruits like dates, raisins, and currants to ensure they blend smoothly into the mixture, creating a tender yet chewy texture distinctive to sugar plums.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped dried fruits with almond meal, honey, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir thoroughly until the mixture holds together and becomes sticky enough to form balls.
  3. Shape Into Balls: Using your hands, scoop small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more honey or a splash of warm water to achieve the right consistency.
  4. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow dish and roll each ball until fully coated, giving sugar plums their classic sweet and glistening exterior.
  5. Chill and Set: Transfer the coated sugar plums to a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least an hour to help them firm up and develop their rich flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh, freshly ground spices like cinnamon and cloves for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Keep the mixture sticky by adding honey or water if too crumbly, ensuring easy shaping.
  • Chill the sugar plums thoroughly to help them set and hold their shape.
  • Use high-quality dried fruits and real vanilla extract to elevate the taste.
  • Form sugar plums into even sizes using a small cookie scoop for uniform chilling and presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar plums, holiday treats, no-bake desserts, gluten free snacks, dried fruit treats, festive sweets, natural sweetness

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/sugar-plums/