This post contains affiliate links. To learn more, please read my disclosure policy.
Last Updated on December 23, 2021 by Aimee Stock
We have been making this little Sugarplum Christmas Candy Recipe for as long as I can remember. They are super sugary sweet, soft and very rich. Our family and friends always love them.
And of course, no source for this recipe, just this handwritten recipe card:
What is a sugarplum?
According to Merriam Webster…
sugarplum (noun)
sug·​ar·​plum | \ ˈshu̇-gər-ˌpləm \
Definition of sugarplum: a small candy in the shape of a ball or disk
I realize that is very vague and if you Google the name, you will get dozens and dozens of variations on the theme. This recipe is a quick, no bake, four ingredient recipe that can be made in about 15 minutes! They are fun to scatter amongst your other cookies on a Christmas platter.
What ingredients are needed to make this recipe?
To make this recipe you’ll need:
- Butter, at room temperature
- Powdered Sugar
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Pure Vanilla Extract
Optional ingredients for rolling/decorating are listed below.
How to make Sugarplum Christmas Candy Recipe
Combine the softened butter with the powdered sugar – one cup at a time, scraping down the sides AND bottom of the bowl between each addition. Don’t even attempt this with anything other than room temperature butter – it won’t work.
You mixture should be light and fluffy with crumbles of butter throughout.
Now add the vanilla and heavy whipping cream, mixing slowly at first and then on medium speed for about a minute to incorporate some air.
It should look like this…
Now, it’s time to use your handy-dandy cookie scoop and place them in a single layer on a plate or cookie sheet.
You can stop here and they are incredibly delicious, BUT….
If you’d like them rolled and decorated, consider the following options. Do this now before they set up or the toppings won’t stick.
- Chopped Walnuts
- Shredded Coconut
- Christmas Sprinkles
Cover with waxed paper and allow them to set up at room temperature. They’ll end up having a light, delicate crust and be so sweet and tender inside. They are difficult to describe, but once you try them, you’ll love them!
Did you make my Sugarplum Christmas Candy Recipe? Leave me a comment below and let me know what you thought. You can also tag me on Instagram @aimee_stock I love seeing what you come up with!
Be sure to give my other Christmas recipes a try!
Chocolate Walnut Wafer Cookies
Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Cranberry Orange Muffin Recipe
Heinz Chili Sauce Cocktail Meatball Recipe
Sugarplum Christmas Candy Recipe
Equipment
- Stand Mixer
Ingredients
- 1/2 c Butter at room temperature
- 5 c Powdered/Confectioner's Sugar
- 1/4 c Heavy Whipped Cream
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS FOR ROLLING:
- Walnuts finely chopped
- Christmas Sprinkles
- Shredded Coconut
Instructions
- Place room temperature butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating after each mix and scraping both the sides AND the bottom of the bowl. It should resemble a light and fluffy, crumbly mixture.
- Now, add the vanilla and the whipping cream beating on low at first and then for one minute on medium to incorporate some air.
- Using a small cookie scoop, place in a single layer on a plate or cookie sheet. The yield will depend on how small/large you make them. They are very rich so I would recommend erring on the side of smaller.
- If you would like to decorate them, now is the time while they are still sticky and before they firm up. Chopped walnuts, shredded coconut or Christmas sprinkles are all nice options.
- Now, place a piece of waxed paper over the candies and allow to set up. They will lightly crust over and then you can move them to a covered container or add them to your cookie platters. Enjoy!