Sugar Plums
Sweet sugar plums with rich cocoa, toasted almonds, and coconut coating, offering a delightful treat suitable for festive occasions or as a charming gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat together butter and sugar until creamy.
- Blend in cocoa and almond extract; mix thoroughly.
- Stir in chopped blanched almonds and oats. Chill dough until stiff.
- Break off pieces of dough and shape them into balls.
- Roll the balls in shredded coconut; chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, you can substitute sunflower seeds for the blanched almonds. If you prefer a sweeter treat, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the mixture. Ensure you chill the dough well to make rolling easier. It's also a good idea to use fresh shredded coconut for a more vibrant flavor. This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Sugar plums make a delightful treat for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside Mrs. Hodge'S No-Fail Popcorn Balls for a festive dessert platter. They also work well as a sweet snack during a casual get-together or as a homemade gift during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sugar plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar Plums contains roughly 1567 calories, with 19g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 131g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can substitute with other nuts like pecans or walnuts if you prefer. Just ensure they are chopped and blanched if necessary. This will give a different flavor profile but will still maintain the texture and richness of the sugar plums.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is important as it helps firm it up, making it easier to shape into balls. If you skip this step, the dough may be too soft and sticky, resulting in a messier process. Aim to chill for at least 30 minutes.
Can I add other flavors to the sugar plums?
Absolutely! You can experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. Additionally, a splash of vanilla extract instead of almond extract can create a different taste. Just remember to balance the flavors so they complement each other.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).