Name: Chewy Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups plums (pitted and cut into cubes); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 inch piece cinnamon stick; 3 cardamom pods; 1 cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 2 large eggs (room temperature); ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (or neutral oil); 3 tablespoons milk (whole milk or your preferred milk); 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all purpose flour (360g); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 inch rosemary sprig; blue food coloring (as needed); purple food coloring (as needed); ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating); Sugared rosemary sprigs (for decorating)

Nothing says cozy and festive quite like biting into a soft, fruit-filled cookie that bursts with warmth and sweetness. That's exactly why I adore this Chewy Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe — it transforms humble ingredients into a vibrant treat that feels both nostalgic and new. You’ll love how these cookies hold onto their softness while delivering that perfect melt-in-your-mouth chew with every bite.

A small white container lined with crumpled light brown parchment paper holds about a dozen sugar-coated purple and green round treats that look like sugared berries or small fruits, each topped with a small green stem. Around the container, a few of the same treats lie scattered on a white marbled surface, with one broken open revealing a red jam filling and yellow cake inside. In the soft background, there is a blurred red ribbon and white festive decorations. The image is bright and soft-focused, showing the sugary texture clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chewy Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chewy Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chewy Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first made these chewy sugar plum cookies, the irresistible aroma of the spiced plum jam filling instantly won me over. These aren't your run-of-the-mill holiday cookies; they offer a tender, chewy texture married with a richly spiced jam that somehow strikes the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness. Once you try them, you’ll see why they’ve become a holiday favorite in my kitchen.

Soft and Chewy Texture: The olive oil in the dough keeps these cookies beautifully tender without sacrificing chewiness.
Homemade Spiced Plum Jam: Infused with cinnamon, cardamom, and rosemary, the jam is subtly warm and perfectly festive.
Beautifully Colored Syrup Dip: The cookies are dipped in blue and purple syrup, adding charm and a touch of whimsy.
Long-Lasting Freshness: Thanks to the syrup dip and jam, these cookies stay soft and delicious for days—great for gifting or party sharing.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building the texture, flavor, and festive feel. I love how the spices gently enhance the plum jam without overpowering it, and the olive oil adds softness that flour alone can't achieve. A quick tip: fresh, ripe plums make all the difference, so choose those that are juicy and fragrant.

Flat lay of fresh whole plums cut into cubes in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of clear lemon juice, a fresh cinnamon stick, three green cardamom pods, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of sea salt, a small white bowl of water, a fresh rosemary sprig, a small white bowl of extra granulated sugar for coating, and a few fresh sugared rosemary sprigs, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions and fresh natural appearance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Plums: Fresh and juicy plums provide the base for the luscious, fruity jam—go for ripe and sweet for best flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Used in both dough and jam to balance tartness and create the perfect sweet chewiness.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth across both the dough and syrup, rounding out flavors beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the plum jam and helps preserve its vibrant color.
Cinnamon Stick & Cardamom Pods: These spices infuse the jam with that festive aroma and a gentle warmth, without making it spicy.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Keeps cookies tender and chewy; if you’re not a fan, neutral oil works just fine.
Milk: Adds moisture to the dough, resulting in a soft crumb.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure foundation, use fresh for light, tender cookies.
Baking Powder: Gives just enough lift to avoid heaviness without compromising chewiness.
Water & Rosemary Sprig: Infuse the syrup dip with flavor and fragrance, making the cookies extra special.
Food Coloring (Blue & Purple): For that eye-catching, festive touch that brings these cookies to life.
Granulated Sugar (for coating): Adds a sparkling crunch and extra sweetness on the outside.
Sugared Rosemary Sprigs: For an elegant, aromatic garnish perfect for gifting or holiday tables.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love getting creative with this recipe by tweaking the spices or using different fruit jams, but the classic spiced plum version feels just right during the holidays. Feel free to swap out olive oil for coconut oil if you want a subtle tropical hint, or adjust the color scheme to match your party theme!

Variation: I’ve tried making the jam with fresh blackberries instead of plums once, and while it changed the flavor beautifully, the classic plum-jam combo remains my favorite for that winter warmth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chewy Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe

The image shows a light pink marbled surface with scattered dark purple plums, some whole and one cut open revealing bright red flesh. Purple sugar-coated fruits with greenish-blue highlights are placed among the plums. A dark-skinned ballerina figurine wearing a white and pink tutu with her arms raised is lying on the surface, adding a whimsical touch. Small sprigs of green herbs are scattered around the fruits and figurine. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Make the Spiced Plum Jam

Start by simmering the cubed plums with sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom pods in a saucepan. I like to let it bubble gently until the plums break down and the flavors meld into a fragrant jam. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it so it doesn’t scorch. Once thickened, remove the spices and let the jam cool completely before using it—this step really builds that beautiful spiced flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and salt. Then add eggs, olive oil, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually fold in the flour and baking powder until the dough comes together—it should feel soft but not sticky. Chill the dough while you prepare the dipping syrup to make rolling easier.

Step 3: Make the Colored Syrup Dip

Simmer water with sugar, vanilla, and a rosemary sprig until the sugar dissolves completely. Divide the syrup into two bowls and add blue food coloring to one and purple to the other. This colorful syrup dip not only adds moisture but creates a subtle, elegant gloss on the cookies.

Step 4: Shape, Fill, and Bake the Cookies

Take small portions of dough and gently flatten them. Place a teaspoon of chilled plum jam in the center and carefully fold the edges around the jam to enclose it. Roll each filled cookie in the colored syrup and then in granulated sugar before placing on a baking sheet. Bake for around 12-15 minutes until just set—avoid overbaking to keep these cookies chewy.

Step 5: Garnish with Sugared Rosemary

Once baked and cooled, top the cookies with sugared rosemary sprigs for an aromatic and festive decoration. I usually prepare these sprigs ahead of time by brushing fresh rosemary with simple syrup and rolling them in sugar until crystallized—such a pretty touch that also offers a lovely herbal hint.

Top Tip

Having made these cookies a handful of times, I’ve learned a few quirks that make the difference between so-so and spectacular. These tips will help you nail the texture, keep your jam from running, and ensure a beautiful final presentation.

Chill the Dough: Resting the dough before shaping prevents stickiness and helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
Cool the Jam Completely: Using warm jam can cause the dough to become too soft and hard to handle, so patience here pays off.
Watch the Baking Time: These cookies bake quickly; pulling them out the moment edges are set keeps them soft inside.
Roll in Syrup Quickly: Dip and sugar-coat swiftly before the syrup cools to get that perfect glossy, sugary crust.

How to Serve Chewy Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I always go with sugared rosemary sprigs because they add a lovely floral note that complements the spices in the jam and looks stunning. Sometimes, I also sprinkle extra granulated sugar or edible glitter right before serving for some sparkle.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of herbal tea, spiced cider, or even mulled wine – the warmth of the drink pairs elegantly with the spiced plum filling. For more festive gatherings, I like serving them with a cheese board featuring mild cheeses and nuts for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange the cookies on a wooden platter layered with sprigs of fresh rosemary and dust the whole display lightly with powdered sugar to evoke a snowy effect. Wrapped in simple parchment and tied with a ribbon, they make delightful homemade gifts too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between batches to keep them from sticking. They stay wonderfully soft and chewy for up to five days—perfect if you’re prepping ahead for holiday festivities.

Freezing

For longer storage, I freeze the cookies after baking but before coating them in sugar. Once thawed, I dip them quickly in the syrup and sugar. This method keeps the cookies fresh without losing their signature chewiness.

Reheating

If you want to revive slightly older cookies, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens them up nicely. Just be careful not to overheat or they'll become too mushy. Warm cookies taste like they just came out of the oven!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen plums for the jam?

Frozen plums can work in a pinch, but they often release more water and may result in a thinner jam. I recommend fresh plums for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.

What if I don’t have olive oil?

You can substitute olive oil with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil without drastically changing the cookie’s texture. Keep in mind olive oil adds a subtle earthiness that’s lovely in this recipe.

Why do you dip cookies in syrup before baking?

Dipping the cookies in colored syrup before sugar-coating helps keep them moist and adds a beautiful glossy finish. It also extends freshness, helping the cookies stay soft for days, which is perfect for holidays.

Can I make the jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the plum jam a day or two ahead enhances the flavors as they meld further. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to fill your cookies.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Chewy Sugar Plum Cookies with Spiced Jam Recipe with you feels like sharing a little holiday magic from my kitchen to yours. The blend of soft, chewy cookie dough with fragrant, spiced plum jam is a treat I always look forward to making—and I’m confident you’ll find it just as special. So grab some plums, invite the warmth of cinnamon and cardamom into your home, and give these cookies a try. Trust me, they’ll become a seasonal favorite you’ll reach for year after year.