Irresistible Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies : A Festive Favorite You’ll Crave

If you’re looking for a show-stopping cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, these Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies are the perfect choice. With a chewy center, crisp edges, pops of tart dried cranberries, and a dazzling sugar coating, these cookies are made to impress. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, holiday party, or just to satisfy your own craving, this recipe is sure to become a new seasonal favorite.

These festive cranberry cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart. The combination of dried plums (yes, prunes!) and cranberries creates a unique fruitiness that’s warm and rich without being overwhelming. Add a hint of spice and almond extract, and you’ve got something special that tastes like the holidays in every bite.

This recipe is ideal for bakers of all levels. It uses simple pantry ingredients, comes together quickly, and yields cookies that look and taste bakery-worthy. If you’ve been searching for the best cookie recipes with dried cranberries, you just found it.

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What Are Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies?

These cookies are a delicious nod to the classic idea of sugarplums — not the hard candies you may imagine, but rather the spiced, fruity confections that date back centuries. Here, dried cranberries and chopped dried plums mimic that nostalgic flavor, giving you the essence of a traditional holiday treat in soft, chewy cookie form.

Topped with sparkling sugar, these cookies offer a delightful crunch with every bite. They are also a creative take on cranberry cookies recipes, perfect for anyone looking for something new beyond oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip. You could even say they’re a simplified, snackable cousin of the popular cranberry bliss cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these sparkling sugarplum cranberry cookies, gather the following ingredients:

1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
½ cup chopped dried cranberries
½ cup chopped dried plums (prunes)
Sparkling or coarse sanding sugar for rolling

These ingredients come together to create a dough that bakes into cookies with just the right amount of spread, chew, and sparkle.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Making these cookies is easy with just a few kitchen basics:

Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone mat
Cooling rack
Small bowl for rolling in sugar

How to Make Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, beating until smooth.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and chopped dried plums.

Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball generously in sparkling sugar, coating all sides.

Place on prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why Dried Cranberries Are Perfect for Holiday Cookies

Dried cranberries bring a bright tartness to baked goods without adding extra moisture. Their chewy texture holds up well during baking, and they pair beautifully with warm spices, citrus, and nuts. That’s why they’re such a great ingredient in cookies using dried cranberries, whether you’re making these sugarplum cookies, cranberry orange cookies, or even a white chocolate cranberry combo.

They also keep well in the pantry, making them a reliable choice for last-minute baking. If you’re a fan of fruit-forward baked treats, try them in Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or folded into a Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin for a sweet-savory twist.

Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time

Make sure your butter is properly softened, not melted, for the best creaming texture.
Don’t skip the almond extract—it adds a subtle nuttiness that brings out the fruit flavors.
Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized dough balls.
Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes if it’s too soft to roll.
Be generous with the sparkling sugar to get that festive coating.

Variations to Try

If you want to mix things up, this recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few ideas:

Add orange zest to the dough for cranberry orange flavor.
Swap prunes for dried apricots or cherries for a brighter, more tangy flavor.
Fold in white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Use this dough as the base for thumbprint cookies with a dab of cranberry jam in the center.

You can also pair these cookies with a citrusy drink like Lavender Lemonade or even a fruity Fruit Dip to create a themed dessert platter.

How to Store and Freeze

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

If you want to freeze the dough instead, roll it into balls and flash-freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, roll in sugar and bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

This makes them perfect for holiday prep, cookie exchanges, or shipping to loved ones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overbaking—cookies should look slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
Don’t skip the sugar coating or they’ll lack that beautiful sparkle.
Make sure dried fruit is finely chopped so it distributes evenly in the dough.
Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method to prevent dry cookies.

Presentation and Gifting Ideas

These cookies are made to be shown off. Try stacking them in clear gift bags with a festive ribbon, placing them in a holiday tin, or arranging them on a decorative platter.

You could even create a cookie box with these and others like Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs or Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Chips. They’re perfect for hostess gifts, neighbors, teachers, or anyone who appreciates homemade goodies.

What to Serve With These Cookies

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm drink like spiced tea, coffee, or even something like Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew. They’re also great on a holiday dessert table alongside pies, trifles, or simple snacks like Mini Halloween Pizzas if you’re mixing sweet and savory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without cardamom?
Yes. While cardamom adds a lovely warmth, you can omit it or replace it with a touch of nutmeg.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough can be chilled for up to 48 hours or frozen as dough balls for quick baking later.

Can I double the batch?
Yes, and you probably should—they disappear quickly.

Do I have to use sparkling sugar?
It’s highly recommended for the texture and appearance, but coarse turbinado sugar works in a pinch.

Are these cookies good for mailing?
Yes. They’re sturdy enough to hold up in transit and still taste great a few days after baking.

More Cookies with Dried Cranberries to Try

If you loved this recipe, here are a few more to explore:

Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Halloween Brownie Treats
Croissant Breakfast Boats

These are perfect for dessert boards, lunchbox treats, or anytime you need a little sweetness.

Final Thoughts

These Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies are the perfect blend of holiday magic and everyday comfort. Their chewy centers, sparkling exteriors, and fruit-filled bites make them a standout for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. They’re easy to make, lovely to gift, and even better to eat.

If you bake these cookies, be sure to share the recipe with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious seasonal recipes. Happy baking!

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