Small Batch Sugar Plums

Step into the world of festive delights with our Sugar Plums recipe, inspired by the enchanting holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. These charming little treats, packed with an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, honey, and spices, are more than just a holiday candy. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they are perfect for enjoying all year round. Let’s embark on this sweet adventure together!

This post is sponsored by Imperial Sugar. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.

Explore more small batch holiday treats with our recipes for perfectly spiced Gingerbread, creamy Fudge, zesty Peppermint Bark, and buttery Shortbread Bites – ideal for small celebrations or personal indulgence.

What Are Sugar Plums?

Sugar Plums are steeped in festive tradition, often recalled from the beloved lines in “Twas The Night Before Christmas”:

“The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads…”

But what exactly are sugar plums? This term dates back to the 1600s, and its definition has evolved over time. Originally, sugar plums referred to plums preserved with sugar. However, by the 16th century, the term expanded to encompass candies made from dried fruits and nuts.

This historical evolution of sugar plums has influenced modern interpretations, including our recipe. Initially, sugaring fruits was a preservation method, but it quickly became a confectionary technique, leading to the creation of various fruit and nut-based candies known as sugarplums.

Interestingly, the term “sugarplum” can be both one word and two, with no definitive ruling on its usage. For those intrigued by the rich history of sugar plums, there are numerous articles and studies, including a fascinating piece by Time, detailing their evolution.

In essence, sugar plums symbolize the magic of the holiday season, evolving from a simple sugared fruit to a broader category of sweet treats, embodying the joy and nostalgia of festive celebrations.

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

• Walnuts: Provide a crunchy texture; substitute with almonds or pecans if preferred. If you have leftover walnuts or pecans, consider using them in these single serving and small batch recipes: Banana Nut Bread, Maple Walnut Muffin, Gingerbread Granola, and Pecan Pie.
• Dried Fruits (Figs, Apricots, Dates): Offer natural sweetness; interchangeable with other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
• Chocolate Chips: Add a hint of chocolate; can be omitted or replaced with dark chocolate for a less sweet option. Use any leftover chocolate chips in a mini Chocolate Lava Pie, Chocolate Chip Muffin, and a small batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies.
• Honey: Acts as a binder; maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Cardamom, Allspice): Give the classic holiday flavor; adjust according to taste. These spices can be found in many of our other single serving and small batch recipes like Chicken Shawarma, Apple Butter, Swedish Meatballs, and Jerk Chicken.
• Powdered Sugar: For rolling; alternatively, use finely ground nuts or cocoa powder.
• Granulated Sugar and Food Coloring: Used for decoration; these are optional and can be omitted.

You can find the Sugar Plums recipe on the Imperial Sugar website.

Yield: This small batch sugar plum recipe is designed to yield about 10-12 sugar plums, depending on the size you choose for each ball. For a uniform and convenient size, I recommend using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop. Using this method, I was able to create 12 perfectly sized sugar plums.

Recipe Variations

Tailor these Sugar Plums to your liking:

• Nut-Free: Use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower in place of nuts.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice combinations.
• Chocolate Coating: Dip in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
• Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for a fresh flavor.
• Energy Bites: Incorporate a sprinkling of oats for a more filling snack.