Description
Sugarplum Christmas Candy is a festive, no-bake treat made from a flavorful mix of chopped dried fruits and toasted nuts, bound together with cherry preserves and warm spices. These bite-sized candies are rolled in granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy coating, making them a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread or gift box.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Nuts
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pitted dates
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped prunes
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped skinless toasted hazelnuts
Binding and Flavoring
- 2 tablespoons cherry preserves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all dried fruits, toasted nuts, cherry preserves, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and granulated sugar to have everything ready for processing.
- Pulse Fruits and Nuts: Place the chopped dates, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, prunes, and toasted hazelnuts into a food processor. Pulse a few times to coarsely combine while retaining texture.
- Add Preserves and Spices: Add the cherry preserves, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves to the food processor. Pulse several more times until the mixture holds together when squeezed, forming a ball but still with some coarse texture.
- Form Candy Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls by hand, shaping them evenly.
- Coat in Sugar: Roll each ball in granulated sugar until coated completely for a sweet crunchy surface.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately in decorative candy cups or store in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to one month or freeze for up to three months.
Notes
- For an adult twist, add a spoonful of brandy or rum to the mixture. If too wet, add extra dried fruits or nuts or chill before rolling.
- Try rolling the sugarplums in white sanding sugar or multi-colored sugar crystals for added festive decoration.
- Swap the cherry preserves for fruit chutney like Major Grey’s for a different flavor profile.
- These candies do not require baking or cooking and are perfect as a no-cook holiday treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy ball (approx. 20g)
- Calories: ninety five
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
