Small Batch Sugar Plums

Experience the magic of the holidays with this Sugar Plums recipe, inspired by festive traditions and packed with dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, honey, and warm spices. Easy to make and full of flavor, these treats are a delightful addition to your celebrations or anytime you want a sweet snack.

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

Check out more small batch holiday treats like our spiced Gingerbread, creamy Fudge, zesty Peppermint Bark, and buttery Shortbread Bites – perfect for small celebrations or treating yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Nostalgia: Inspired by ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, these sugar plums bring festive charm to your celebrations.
• Quick and Simple: Ready in minutes using a food processor, they’re perfect for a last-minute treat.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or even add a chocolate drizzle for a personal touch.
• Gift-Worthy: Beautiful and delicious, these make thoughtful holiday gifts or party snacks.
• Small Batch: Yields 10-12 sugar plums—just enough to enjoy without extra leftovers.
• Naturally Sweet: Made with dried fruits, nuts, and honey for a sweet treat that isn’t overly rich.

What Are Sugar Plums?

Sugar plums are deeply rooted in holiday tradition, famously referenced in the cherished poem ’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? The term originated in the 1600s and has evolved significantly over the centuries. Originally, it referred to plums preserved with sugar—a method of extending the fruit’s shelf life. By the 16th century, the term expanded to include candies made from dried fruits and nuts, resembling the modern version we know today.

Our recipe draws inspiration from this rich history, blending dried fruits, nuts, and spices into a festive and flavorful treat. While sugaring fruits started as a preservation method, it soon became a confectionary art, giving rise to the creation of “sugar plums” in various forms.

Interestingly, the term “sugarplum” can appear as either one word or two, and both usages are correct. For those curious about its history, publications like Time offer fascinating insights into the origins and evolution of this holiday classic.

Sugar plums today represent the magic and nostalgia of the holiday season. From their humble beginnings as sugared fruits to their modern interpretation as fruit-and-nut confections, they capture the sweetness and joy of festive celebrations.

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Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this sugar plums recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

• Walnuts: Add a satisfying crunch to the sugar plums. If you prefer, swap them with almonds or pecans. Leftover walnuts or pecans? Use them in recipes like Banana Nut Bread, Maple Walnut Muffin, Gingerbread Granola, and Pecan Pie.
• Dried Fruits (Figs, Apricots, Dates): Provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture. Feel free to substitute with other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for variety.
• Chocolate Chips: A touch of chocolate enhances the flavor. You can leave them out or use dark chocolate for a less sweet option. Leftover chocolate chips can be used in recipes like a Chocolate Lava Pie, Chocolate Chip Muffin, and a small batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies.
• Honey: Acts as a natural binder for the mixture. Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as substitutes if needed.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Cardamom, Allspice): Add warm, festive flavors. Adjust the spice levels to your taste. These spices are also great in other recipes like Chicken Shawarma, Apple Butter, Swedish Meatballs, and Jerk Chicken.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for rolling the sugar plums, adding a delicate coating. For a different look or flavor, roll them in finely ground nuts or cocoa powder instead.
• Granulated Sugar and Food Coloring: Optional for decorating. If you’d like to skip this step, the sugar plums will still taste amazing.

How To Make Sugar Plums

I’ve partnered with Imperial Sugar to create this recipe, and you can find the full recipe on the Imperial Sugar website.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, add the walnuts, dried figs, dried apricots, dried dates, chocolate chips, honey, and spices. Pulse a few times to chop the nuts and fruit into small pieces.
2. Blend the Mixture: Process the ingredients for about 30 seconds. Pause to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
3. Form a Ball: Continue processing for 1-2 more minutes until the mixture comes together into a cohesive ball.
4. Shape Sugar Plums: Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Coat each ball by rolling it in powdered sugar or colored sugar for decoration.
5. Make Colored Sugar (Optional): To make red and green sugars, divide granulated sugar between two bowls. Add 1-2 drops of red food coloring to one bowl and 1-2 drops of green food coloring to the other. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is evenly colored.
6. Store and Enjoy: Place the sugar plums in a covered container and refrigerate for up to 7 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Yield: This small batch sugar plum recipe makes approximately 10-12 sugar plums, depending on how large or small you roll each ball. For consistent sizing, I recommend using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop. With this method, I ended up with 12 evenly sized sugar plums.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This post was created in partnership with Imperial Sugar and while I have received compensation for my partnership, all the opinions and thoughts are completely my own.