Sugar Plums

why make this recipe

Sugar Plums are a quick, no-bake treat that uses nuts and dried fruit. They need little prep and make a lovely snack or gift. They taste rich, sweet, and a little spicy. You can make them ahead and share them at parties or holidays.

introduction

This recipe mixes toasted almonds, prunes, cranberries, cherries, and warm spices to make small chewy balls. They are easy to roll and sweetened with honey and orange zest. If you like sweet-salty party bites, try the brown sugar bacon little smokies for another simple finger food idea.

how to make Sugar Plums

Ingredients :

• 1 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup pitted dried prunes (or plums)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground all-spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Granulated sugar for rolling

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and toast the almonds for about 10 minutes until fragrant.
2. In a food processor, combine toasted almonds, dried prunes, dried cranberries, dried cherries, honey, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, all-spice, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture.
3. Use a small ice cream scooper to gather about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into compact balls about 1 ½ inch in size.
4. Toss each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
5. Arrange the sugar plums in a candy dish or individual mini cupcake wrappers.
6. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

how to serve Sugar Plums

Serve them at room temperature on a small plate or in mini wrappers. They make a good snack with tea or coffee. Place them on a party platter with cheese and crackers for a sweet touch.

how to store Sugar Plums

Put the sugar plums in an airtight container. Keep them at room temp away from direct heat. They stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Do not refrigerate; it can dry them out.

tips to make Sugar Plums

• Toast the almonds to boost flavor. Watch them so they do not burn.
• Keep some small bits in the mixture for a good texture. Do not over-process.
• Use a small scoop or spoon to make even balls. Wet your hands slightly if the mixture sticks.
• Roll quickly in granulated sugar so the sugar coats well.

variation (if any)

• Swap almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• Replace prunes with dates for a sweeter, softer center.
• Dust with powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a softer look.
• Add a pinch of cayenne for a tiny spicy kick.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other nuts?
A: Yes. Walnuts or pecans work well. Toast them first for best taste.

Q: Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can make the blended mix and refrigerate it for a day before rolling.

Q: Do I need the honey?
A: Honey helps bind the fruits and nuts and adds flavor. You can try maple syrup, but the texture may change.

Q: Will they melt in warm weather?
A: They can soften if very warm. Keep them in a cool place and use an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes. Freeze on a tray, then move to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temp before serving.

Sugar Plums

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 20 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick, no-bake treat that combines nuts and dried fruit into sweet and chewy balls, perfect for snacks or gifts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup pitted dried prunes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground all-spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Granulated sugar for rolling

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and toast the almonds for about 10 minutes until fragrant.
2. In a food processor, combine toasted almonds, dried prunes, dried cranberries, dried cherries, honey, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, all-spice, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture.
3. Use a small ice cream scooper to gather about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into compact balls about 1 ½ inch in size.
4. Toss each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
5. Arrange the sugar plums in a candy dish or individual mini cupcake wrappers.
6. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

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Notes

Toast the almonds to enhance flavor and maintain some texture by not over-processing the mixture.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg