We absolutely love plum cookies for their irresistible blend of tart plums and buttery dough that turns any baking session into a delight. Drawing from seasonal fruit traditions we’ve adapted this recipe to capture that fresh summer vibe in every bite.
It’s perfect for home bakers seeking a simple twist on classics ensuring your kitchen fills with sweet aromas. Join us as we guide you through creating these crowd-pleasers that are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For our plum cookies recipe, we gather high-quality ingredients that blend tart plums with buttery dough to create irresistible treats. We’ve organized them in the order they’re used, with prep notes for precision.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Sifted to ensure a light, airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Fresh for optimal rise.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with browning and lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and crisp edges.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Packed, for added moisture and depth.
- 2 large eggs: At room temperature to bind ingredients smoothly.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Pure variety for rich aroma.
Fruit and Additions
- 2 cups fresh plums: Pitted and finely chopped for a juicy, tart burst that shines in every bite.
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts): Toasted for extra crunch and nutty flavor, if desired.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients measured and organized, we guide you through baking plum cookies with simple, precise steps that deliver a burst of tart plum flavor in every buttery bite.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, let’s ensure everything is prepped for efficiency. Start by washing and pitting 4-5 fresh plums then chopping them into ½-inch pieces to release their juicy tartness—aim for about 1 cup to infuse the cookies with vibrant color and flavor. Measure out 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt into one bowl for the dry ingredients. In another bowl, soften 1 cup of unsalted butter and measure ¾ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for the wet components. If adding nuts, chop ½ cup of your choice like almonds for extra crunch, setting the stage for a seamless baking process.
Mix the Dough
First, we cream the wet ingredients to build a rich base. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy, creating a smooth texture that promises melt-in-your-mouth results. Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, followed by the vanilla extract to enhance the sweet aroma. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined—overmixing can toughen the dough. Fold in the chopped plums and nuts if using, ensuring even distribution for pockets of tartness in every cookie.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
Once the dough is ready, we shape it for baking to achieve golden perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into 1- to 1.5-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the sheets to allow for even spreading. Gently press each ball to flatten slightly, which helps the plums peek through for an inviting look. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the centers set, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of baked plums and buttery dough. For consistent results, bake in batches if needed.
Cool and Store
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, allowing the plum flavors to settle into a delightful tang. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and preserving their crisp edges. For storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness—reheat briefly in the oven for that just-baked warmth if desired. If freezing, wrap portions tightly and store for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature when ready.
Equipment Needed
To bake our delicious plum cookies with precision and ease, we rely on a few essential tools that streamline the process from preparation to cooling. This list ensures you’re fully equipped for mixing, shaping, and baking, building on the ingredients and steps we’ve outlined earlier.
- Mixing Bowls: We recommend at least two medium-sized bowls—one for dry ingredients like flour and baking powder, and another for wet ingredients such as butter and eggs—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our plum cookies’ texture, so use a set of standard measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, etc.) and spoons for ingredients like sugar and vanilla extract.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars smoothly, an electric mixer saves time and effort, ensuring a light, fluffy dough that’s perfect for incorporating our fresh plums.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A flexible spatula is ideal for gently folding in chopped plums and nuts, maintaining the dough’s integrity without overmixing.
- Baking Sheets: Sturdy, rimmed baking sheets are crucial for even heat distribution when baking our plum cookies at 375°F, helping achieve that golden-brown finish.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless, enhancing the cookies’ texture and presentation.
- Oven Thermometer: To guarantee precise baking temperatures for optimal results, an oven thermometer verifies your oven is at the exact 375°F we specify.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, a wire cooling rack allows air circulation around the cookies, preserving their crisp edges and soft centers as mentioned in our storage tips.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing fresh plums, a sharp knife and stable cutting board ensure quick, safe pitting and chopping, adding that signature tartness to our recipe.
Make-Ahead Tips
To streamline your plum cookies baking experience, we recommend these practical strategies for preparing components in advance. This allows you to enjoy fresh-baked treats with minimal effort on the day of serving.
Preparing the Dough
One of our favorite make-ahead techniques is to prepare the plum cookie dough up to 2 days ahead. Start by following the mixing instructions from our earlier steps—cream the wet ingredients, incorporate the dry mixture, and fold in the chopped plums and nuts. Once mixed, shape the dough into a log or divide it into portions, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate the dough to enhance flavors and make it easier to handle later. When ready to bake, simply slice or scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets and proceed as directed.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
Save time by getting your ingredients ready ahead of the main baking day. Wash and pit the fresh plums up to 24 hours in advance, then chop them into even pieces and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain their tart, juicy texture. For added crunch, chop any nuts and keep them in a separate airtight bag. Pro tip: Lightly toss the chopped plums with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and preserve their vibrant color.
Freezing for Later Use
If you’re planning further ahead, freezing is a game-changer for plum cookies. You can freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This method ensures the cookies retain their buttery dough and tart plum flavors. When you’re ready, bake from frozen—just add 2-3 minutes to the original baking time at 375°F for perfectly golden results.
Storing Baked Cookies
Baked plum cookies can be made ahead and stored to stay fresh and delicious. After cooling completely on a rack, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer before stacking them in a freezer bag—they’ll keep for up to 3 months without losing their sweet aromas or texture. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore that just-baked warmth.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 5 days | Use airtight container to maintain crispiness. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Wrap individually to prevent sogginess from plums. |
| Freezer (Unbaked Dough) | Up to 3 months | Thaw in fridge overnight before baking. |
| Freezer (Baked Cookies) | Up to 3 months | Reheat directly from frozen for optimal texture. |
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this plum cookies recipe to make baking a breeze and a joy for everyone. It’s more than just treats—it’s about savoring fresh flavors and creating lasting moments.
As we wrap up, remember these cookies can become your go-to favorite for gatherings or quiet evenings.
Try them out and share your twists—we’re confident you’ll love the results as much as we do!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for plum cookies?
The key ingredients include dry ones like all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, plus wet ingredients such as softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Fresh plums are essential for that tart flavor, with optional chopped nuts for crunch. This combination ensures a buttery, delicious treat.
How do I make plum cookie dough?
Start by preparing ingredients: wash and pit plums, measure dry and wet components, and chop nuts if using. Cream the wet ingredients together, then gradually mix in the dry ones. Finally, fold in the plums and nuts for a uniform dough. This straightforward process takes about 10-15 minutes.
What is the baking temperature and time for plum cookies?
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Shape the dough into cookies and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Check for doneness by ensuring the edges are set while the centers remain soft. This timing yields perfectly baked, aromatic cookies.
Can I make plum cookies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough up to two days in advance and refrigerate it to enhance flavors. You can also prep plums and nuts ahead. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to three months, thawing as needed for fresh-tasting treats.
What equipment do I need to bake plum cookies?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer, a spatula or wooden spoon, baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, an oven thermometer, a cooling rack, and a knife with a cutting board for plums. These tools make the process easy and efficient.
How should I store plum cookies to keep them fresh?
Cool cookies completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their warm, just-baked texture.