Sweet Sugar Plums Recipe

These Sweet Sugar Plums blend toasted almonds, dried fruits, warm spices, and a sprinkle of orange zest—perfectly coated in sugar for a sparkling holiday treat.

this Recipe

Every year, my family has this one special tradition: making sweet treats together the week before Christmas. It’s messy, chaotic, and—if I’m being totally honest—a bit exhausting, but those moments are pure magic.

Now, I didn’t grow up eating sugar plums. I mean, I heard about them in The Night Before Christmas just like you did, but it wasn’t until my friend hosted a “vintage holiday treats” baking night a few years ago that I tasted them for the first time. Wow. They were chewy, nutty, and sweet with this subtle, warm spice that just screamed Christmas.

So naturally, I came home determined to make my own version. After a few (ahem, many) attempts—and a kitchen dusted in sugar—I found the perfect balance of flavors. These Sweet Sugar Plums are now a staple in our holiday lineup, and let me tell you, they disappear fast. If you’ve never made them before, I promise you’re in for a treat.

And here’s the kicker—they’re no-bake. That’s right. Minimal effort, maximum festive vibes.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Sugar Plums Recipe?

Here’s the thing about this recipe: it’s not fussy, it’s fun.

• No baking required: Your oven’s already busy with cookies, ham, and pies, right? These sweet sugar plums don’t need any oven time.
• Simple ingredients: You probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already—nuts, dried fruit, honey, and spices.
• They look gorgeous: The sugar coating makes them sparkle like snowflakes. Perfect for a holiday dessert table or a little homemade gift.
• Surprisingly “healthy-ish”: Packed with nuts and dried fruit, they’re naturally sweet with no refined nonsense.
• Ready in minutes: I’m not kidding—10 minutes flat, and you’ll look like a holiday genius.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s talk about what makes these little bites so special. You’ll love how these ingredients come together.

• Toasted Almonds: Toasting the almonds makes them richer and nuttier. Don’t skip this step—it takes 5 minutes, and the payoff is huge.
• Dried Plums (Prunes): Don’t let the word “prunes” scare you off. They’re sweet, sticky, and give the sugar plums their chewy base. Trust me.
• Dried Cherries and Cranberries: These add a little tartness to balance out the sweetness. Plus, the color is just so festive.
• Honey: Think of it as the glue that holds everything together while adding a natural sweetness.
• Spices: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice brings that warm, cozy holiday flavor we all know and love.
• Orange Zest: A little fresh zest goes a long way. It brightens everything up beautifully.
• Granulated Sugar: For rolling the sugar plums. This is where the sparkle happens.

How to Make Sweet Sugar Plums?

If you can work a food processor and roll dough into balls, you can make these sugar plums. It’s that simple.

Step 1: Toast the almonds
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want golden brown, not burnt. Let them cool completely. Toasting really amps up the nutty flavor, so don’t skip this part.

Step 2: Blend the ingredients
In a food processor, toss in your toasted almonds, dried plums, cherries, cranberries, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and orange zest. Pulse the mixture in short bursts until it’s sticky but still has some texture. It should hold together when you pinch it. If it’s too dry, add a touch more honey or a splash of orange juice.

Step 3: Roll the mixture into balls
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, portion out about a tablespoon of the mixture. Roll it into little 1 ½-inch balls with your hands. They don’t have to be perfect—rustic is charming!

Step 4: Add the sparkle
Pour some granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each sugar plum in the sugar until it’s evenly coated. This step is where the holiday magic happens.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Place them on a festive platter, or tuck them into little cupcake liners for a polished look. That’s it—you’re done!

Storage Options:

These little beauties are as easy to store as they are to make:

• At room temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• In the fridge: They’ll stay fresh for a month (if they last that long!).
• In the freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temp before serving.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to mix things up? You’ve got options.

• Nuts: Swap almonds for pecans, walnuts, or pistachios.
• Dried fruits: Dates, figs, apricots—go wild. Just aim for the same sticky consistency.
• Rolling alternatives: Try shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or finely chopped nuts instead of sugar.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a fun twist.
• Chocolate lovers: Drizzle them with dark chocolate. Because, well, chocolate.

What to Serve with Sweet Sugar Plums?

These sugar plums are perfect on their own, but if you’re feeling fancy, here’s what pairs beautifully with them:

• Hot drinks: Think mulled cider, hot chocolate, or your favorite tea.
• Charcuterie boards: Add them to a holiday snack board for a sweet contrast.
• Cheese plates: They’re amazing with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
• Holiday cookies: Mix them in with your favorite festive cookies for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to toast the almonds?

Yes, please. Toasting makes all the difference—it deepens the flavor and gives you a better texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. They store beautifully, so feel free to prep them days (or even weeks) in advance.

What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?

You can chop everything by hand, but it’ll take some elbow grease. If you have a blender, that’ll work, too—just pulse in small batches.

So there you have it—Sweet Sugar Plums, the perfect holiday treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing them at a party, or sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, these little bites of festive magic will brighten your season.

Have you ever tried making sugar plums before? If not, I highly recommend giving it a go. And if you do, I’d love to hear what you think—drop a comment below and share your holiday traditions!

Sugar Plums Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

These classic Sugar Plums are a delightful mix of toasted almonds, dried fruits, warm spices, and a hint of orange zest. Coated in sparkling sugar, they’re a festive no-bake treat perfect for the holidays or gifting.

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20 Servings

Ingredients

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• 2 cups almonds toasted
• 1 cup dried plums
• ½ cup dried cherries
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Granulated sugar for coating

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Instructions

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and aromatic. Allow them to cool completely before use.
2. In a food processor, combine the toasted almonds, dried plums, cherries, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Pulse the mixture in short bursts until it is evenly blended and sticky. The mixture should hold together when pressed but should not be overly pasty.
3. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll it into balls approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter. If the mixture is too dry, incorporate a small amount of orange juice or honey to bind it.
4. Place granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in the sugar until evenly coated, ensuring a festive, sparkling finish.
5. Arrange the Sugar Plums on a serving dish or place them in mini cupcake wrappers for an elegant presentation. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

Gluten-Free Notes:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. However, ensure that all ingredients, particularly the dried fruits and spices, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Always verify labels for safety.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Sugar Plum | Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

Bitty

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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