Sugar Plum Star Shortbread Cookies are a delicate, sparkling embodiment of the holiday season. These buttery, crisp stars are gently spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest, then topped with a gleaming layer of raspberry (or sugar plum) jam and finished with a light sprinkle of coarse sugar. With no heavy frosting or excess decoration, they present clean elegance on every holiday dessert table—flavorful, festive, and flawlessly minimal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buttery shortbread base – rich, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
Warm seasonal spice – subtle notes of orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves add depth.
Refined jam topping – a thin layer of raspberry or sugar plum jam offers brightness and sheen.
Visually stunning – star-shaped cookies with shimmering sugar look polished and festive.
Minimalist elegance – no piping, no icing—just balanced color and texture.
Perfect for gifting – sturdy, beautiful, and universally loved.
No spread dough – cookies retain their shape for a clean, professional finish.
Versatile presentation – ideal for white plates, holiday trays, or minimalist cookie boxes.
Balanced sweetness – fruit-forward without being overly sugary.
Easy to make ahead – dough chills well and cookies store beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
all-purpose flour
salt
ground cinnamon
ground cloves
orange zest
raspberry jam (or sugar plum jam, if available)
coarse sugar (for topping)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly crumbly dough forms.
Divide dough into two equal discs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for 30–45 minutes until firm but rollable.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut out star shapes using a cookie cutter.
Transfer the stars carefully to the prepared baking sheets.
Using a small spoon or a clean, food-safe paintbrush, gently spread a thin layer of jam in the center of each cookie—stay inside the edges.
Lightly sprinkle each cookie with coarse sugar for sparkle.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
Cool completely on wire racks before storing or serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24–30 cookies
Calories per serving: 120 kcal

Variations

Different jam options: Try black currant, cherry, or plum preserves for subtle flavor variations.
Jam-free version: Bake plain and dust with powdered sugar for a classic shortbread finish.
Filled sandwich cookies: Make a second star with a small center cutout and layer it over a jam-topped base.
Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted white or dark chocolate for a two-tone finish.
Zest alternatives: Swap orange zest with lemon or blood orange for a citrusy variation.
Spice twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for deeper spice.
Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a wheat-free version.
Mini stars: Use a smaller cookie cutter for bite-sized treats—adjust baking time accordingly.
Shimmering sugar: Use sanding sugar or sparkling sugar for a glossier appearance.
Nutty base: Add finely ground almonds or hazelnuts for a tender, rich crumb.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment to avoid smudging jam.
Freezing: Freeze raw dough discs for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Reheating: Not necessary. These cookies are best served at room temperature.
Make-ahead tip: Bake cookies a day in advance and apply jam topping fresh if desired.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought jam?

Yes, high-quality raspberry or sugar plum jam works perfectly. Avoid overly runny or overly thick varieties.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading?

Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting. Use a cold baking sheet.

Can I add more spice?

Yes, adjust spice levels to taste. A bit of nutmeg or ginger can be added for a deeper profile.

Is coarse sugar necessary?

It’s optional but recommended for visual contrast and a slight crunch. Fine sugar can be used as a substitute.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Double all ingredients and chill the dough in two separate discs for even chilling.

What if I don’t have star-shaped cutters?

Any shape will work, but the visual effect is most striking with stars.

How do I transport these cookies?

Store in a rigid container, layered with parchment paper to prevent smearing or breakage.

Can I use this dough for other shapes?

Absolutely. This is a no-spread shortbread dough suitable for most cookie cutter designs.

Can I bake the cookies without jam?

Yes. Bake plain and top after cooling, or serve as is for a simpler shortbread.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is strongly preferred for flavor and texture. Substituting will alter the final taste.

Conclusion

Sugar Plum Star Shortbread Cookies bring elegance and warmth to your holiday baking, with buttery richness, delicate spice, and a gleaming jam center that evokes festive charm without excess. Whether plated on white porcelain or nestled in gift boxes, these cookies showcase the beauty of simplicity—proof that minimal ingredients and thoughtful technique can deliver pure Christmas magic in every bite.

Sugar Plum Star Shortbread Cookies

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Buttery shortbread star cookies topped with a festive layer of raspberry jam and sparkling sugar crystals. Lightly spiced with orange zest and cloves, these elegant treats taste like pure Christmas magic.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 24–30 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Mix until combined.
Gradually mix in flour until dough forms. It will be soft and slightly crumbly.
Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30–45 minutes until firm but rollable.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut out star shapes using a cookie cutter.
Transfer carefully to prepared baking sheets. Use a small spoon or food-safe paintbrush to gently spread a thin layer of jam in the center of each cookie, staying inside the edges.
Sprinkle lightly with coarse sugar.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool completely on wire racks before serving or storing.

Notes

Chill dough well to prevent spreading and ensure clean star shapes.
Use high-quality jam for a jewel-toned finish and best flavor.
Apply jam sparingly to avoid over-softening the cookie centers.
Cookies will crisp further as they cool—do not overbake.
Store in an airtight container up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg