If you have “visions of sugarplums dancing in your head” this
Christmas season, you can make the dream a reality with these festive and easy-to-make confections. These are similar to the nut & date balls that have gained popularity in recent years, but with added warm spices and a touch of sugar to bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness. Cinnamon, fennel seeds, cardamom, and cloves immediately remind your taste buds of the holidays. Imagine these sweet treats piled up tall on a dessert buffet. 😍 Read on for some tips on how to make them.
The best fruits and nuts to use:
This recipe calls for walnuts, prunes, apricots, and dates. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with other combinations. Slivered almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans would work really well here. Giving the nuts a quick toast in the oven helps bring out their “nuttiness.” Just be sure to watch them carefully because they can burn quickly. And let them cool down before you add them to the food processor. Prunes, dates, and apricots have the right moisture content for these treats, but adding in things like dried cranberries or dried figs are tasty too.
Which spices are best?
The holiday season is marked by warm spices, and these sugar plums are a great canvas for them. This recipe features fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Allspice, nutmeg, mace, and even finely grated orange zest would all be worthy additions to experiment with. Just be sure to use smaller amounts as to not overpower the mixture.
Storage:
Once made, these can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When it’s time to serve, simply place them on a platter about 20 minutes prior so they can come closer to room temperature.
Did you try making this? Let us know how it went in the comments!
If you have “visions of sugarplums dancing in your head” this
Christmas season, you can make the dream a reality with these festive and easy-to-make confections. These are similar to the nut & date balls that have gained popularity in recent years, but with added warm spices and a touch of sugar to bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness. Cinnamon, fennel seeds, cardamom, and cloves immediately remind your taste buds of the holidays. Imagine these sweet treats piled up tall on a dessert buffet. 😍 Read on for some tips on how to make them.
The best fruits and nuts to use:
This recipe calls for walnuts, prunes, apricots, and dates. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with other combinations. Slivered almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans would work really well here. Giving the nuts a quick toast in the oven helps bring out their “nuttiness.” Just be sure to watch them carefully because they can burn quickly. And let them cool down before you add them to the food processor. Prunes, dates, and apricots have the right moisture content for these treats, but adding in things like dried cranberries or dried figs are tasty too.
Which spices are best?
The holiday season is marked by warm spices, and these sugar plums are a great canvas for them. This recipe features fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Allspice, nutmeg, mace, and even finely grated orange zest would all be worthy additions to experiment with. Just be sure to use smaller amounts as to not overpower the mixture.
Storage:
Once made, these can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When it’s time to serve, simply place them on a platter about 20 minutes prior so they can come closer to room temperature.
Did you try making this? Let us know how it went in the comments!
- Yields:
-
16 – 18
- Prep Time:
-
15 mins
- Total Time:
- 2 hrs 30 mins
Directions
-
- Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast, watching closely, until fragrant and golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Step 2Transfer walnuts to a food processor. Add apricots, prunes, and dates and pulse until mixture starts to clump together, about 30 seconds.
- Step 3In a large bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, fennel, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and salt. Add walnut mixture and toss to combine with clean hands. Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions and roll into balls.
- Step 4Place granulated sugar in a small bowl. Roll each ball in sugar, tossing to coat. Transfer sugarplums to a plate and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.
- Step 1
Related Video: Sugar Cookie Truffles
