Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums are a festive treat that brings a sense of joy and warmth to any holiday gathering. These delightful bites combine the rich sweetness of dried fruits with the crunch of nuts, making them a healthy yet indulgent option for your festive table. Perfect for sharing, they are both easy to make and visually appealing, embodying the spirit of the season.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 120
- Protein: 2g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 18g per serving
- Fat: 5g per serving
- Fiber: 2g per serving
- Sugar: 12g per serving
- Sodium: 1mg per serving
Why Make This Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums
Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums are not only pleasing to the taste buds but also packed with nutrients. They are a fantastic option for a quick energy boost without the guilt of traditional sweets. Their naturally sweet flavor combined with the earthy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg creates a festive and comforting experience. Moreover, they can easily be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other holiday preparations.
How to Make Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums
Making Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you can create these delicious treats that are bound to impress family and friends. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried prunes
- 1 cup dried figs
- 1/2 cup nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Optional: shredded coconut or sesame seeds for coating
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a food processor, combine the dried prunes, dried figs, nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pulse until finely chopped and blended together, creating a sticky mixture.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the honey to the food processor and pulse again until the mixture holds together. It should form a dough-like consistency that’s easy to work with.
Step 3: Shaping
Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. This step is perfect for getting the whole family involved and making it a fun activity.
Step 4: Finishing
Roll each ball in powdered sugar to give them a sweet and snowy appearance. For an extra touch, feel free to roll some in shredded coconut or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Place the finished sugar plums on a plate and refrigerate them to firm up before serving.
How to Serve Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums
These Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums make a fantastic addition to any dessert platter during the holiday season. Serve them alongside your favorite holiday cookies or as part of a festive charcuterie board. They also pair well with a warm cup of tea or cider, making them a cozy snack for chilly evenings.
How to Store Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums
Keep your Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them; they maintain their flavor and texture well for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums
- Variations: Feel free to switch up the nuts or try adding a splash of orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Consistency: If your mixture is too dry, add a bit more honey. If it’s too sticky, add a little more nuts.
- Rolling: To prevent sticking, lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar while rolling the balls.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Plums: Dip the rolled sugar plums in melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Spiced Variants: Incorporate ginger or allspice for an extra kick of flavor.
- Nut-Free: Substitute nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?
Fresh fruits contain more moisture and won’t hold together as well, so it’s best to stick with dried fruits for this recipe. -
What if I don’t have a food processor?
A blender can work in a pinch, or you can finely chop the ingredients by hand. Just be careful to achieve a consistent texture. -
Are these sugar plums healthy?
Yes! They are made from natural ingredients and provide a good source of nutrients without added preservatives. -
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! These sugar plums can be made days in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. -
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for three months.
Conclusion
Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums are not just a treat; they’re a delightful tradition that can bring joy and warmth to any holiday celebration. With their rich flavors, healthy ingredients, and easy preparation, these sugar plums are sure to become a favorite in your holiday repertoire. So grab your ingredients and get started on making these delicious bites that encapsulate the essence of the season. Happy cooking!
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Sweet Holiday Sugar Plums
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive bites combining dried fruits and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried prunes
- 1 cup dried figs
- 1/2 cup nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Optional: shredded coconut or sesame seeds for coating
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine dried prunes, dried figs, nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pulse until finely chopped and blended into a sticky mixture.
- Add honey and pulse until the mixture holds together, forming a dough-like consistency.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar, or shredded coconut/sesame seeds if desired, and refrigerate to firm up before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. Variations include chocolate-dipped or spiced versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
