Holiday Sugarplum Candy Balls Recipe

If you’re looking to add a charming, old-fashioned sweet to your holiday treats, you absolutely have to try this Holiday Sugarplum Candy Balls Recipe. I first stumbled on this recipe during a cozy winter get-together, and since then, it’s become a cherished tradition in my kitchen. These little sugarplums are bursting with fruity, nutty goodness and lightly spiced — perfect for gifting or snacking by the fire. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your sugarplums come out just right!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together a beautiful medley of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, all held together by cherry preserves — which add a hint of sweetness and tartness that really rounds out the flavor. You’ll want to pick good-quality dried fruits and fresh nuts for the best results.

• coarsely chopped pitted dates: These provide natural sweetness and help bind the mixture together, so look for soft, plump dates.
• coarsely chopped toasted walnuts: Toasting them yourself amps up the flavor; walnuts add crunch and earthiness.
• coarsely chopped dried cranberries: I love the tart burst these bring to balance the sweetness.
• coarsely chopped prunes: These add depth and softness, making the texture marvelously chewy.
• coarsely chopped skinless toasted hazelnuts: Toasted hazelnuts bring a rich, buttery note and delightful nutty crunch.
• cherry preserves: Cherry is classic here, but feel free to experiment with fruit chutneys or other preserves.
• ground cinnamon: A warm spice that evokes holiday coziness in every bite.
• ground cloves: A tiny pinch goes a long way, adding just the right spicy kick.
• granulated sugar: For rolling the balls to give a festive, sparkly finish and a slight crunch.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Holiday Sugarplum Candy Balls Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I’ve played around with different nuts and preserves, and it’s always delicious — plus a nice way to surprise your guests.

• Adult Version: I sometimes add a splash of brandy or rum for an extra cozy kick — just be sure the mixture firms up enough before rolling, or chill it to help it set.
• Different Sugars: Roll the balls in sanding sugar, colored sugar crystals, or even finely chopped toasted coconut for a festive twist.
• Fruit Swap: Switch out cherry preserves for a tangy fruit chutney like Major Grey’s — it adds a wonderfully unexpected flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute the nuts for more dried fruit or seeds like sunflower seeds if you’re avoiding nuts.

How to Make Holiday Sugarplum Candy Balls Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready

Start by coarsely chopping your dates, walnuts, dried cranberries, prunes, and hazelnuts. This helps everything come together without turning into a paste. When I first tried this, I made the mistake of chopping too finely and ended up with a sticky blob, so keep that texture in mind!

Step 2: Pulse Fruits and Nuts

Place the chopped dried fruits and nuts in your food processor and pulse a few times—just enough to mix and slightly break down the larger pieces. You want to keep some chunkiness for a nice texture contrast.

Step 3: Add Preserves and Spices

Add in your cherry preserves along with the cinnamon and cloves, then pulse a few more times. The mixture should begin to stick together when you press it with your fingers but still hold onto some of that lovely coarse texture. Resist the urge to over-process; it’ll get too sticky otherwise.

Step 4: Roll Into Candy Balls

Using clean hands, scoop the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Once formed, roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat them for a little festive sparkle and subtle crunch. Your sugarplums should hold their shape well — if they feel too soft, just pop them in the fridge to firm up a bit.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Place your sugarplums in candy cups or on a pretty plate and watch how quickly they disappear! They’re perfect gifts or a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread.

How to Serve Holiday Sugarplum Candy Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I love popping each sugarplum into shiny metallic holiday candy cups — they instantly look like a fancy treat. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over the coated balls just before serving. It adds sparkle and aroma that guests always notice!

Side Dishes

These candy balls pair beautifully alongside other holiday nibbles like spiced nuts, gingerbread cookies, or a cheese platter. Whenever I serve them, I arrange an assortment of treats on a wooden board for a warm, inviting vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try stacking the sugarplums in a circle tower or nestled in a festive bowl lined with holly leaves or cranberries. Wrapping a handful in clear cellophane tied with ribbon also makes lovely little gifts that your friends will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sugarplums in an airtight container layered between sheets of wax paper to keep them from sticking together. Kept in the fridge, they stay fresh and tasty for up to a month, which makes them great for stocking your holiday sweets stash.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sugarplums wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag. They thaw beautifully — just bring them to room temperature before serving, and they keep their great texture and flavor for up to 3 months.

Reheating

This is one candy ball recipe where reheating isn’t really necessary; just letting them sit at room temperature for a bit releases all those wonderful flavors. If you do want to warm them slightly, pop them into a warm drawer or near a gentle heat source for 10-15 minutes — no microwave necessary!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Holiday Sugarplum Candy Balls Recipe brings back the magic of old-fashioned Christmas treats while being so easy to whip up. I hope you’ll enjoy making these as much as I do — they’re the kind of recipe that brings smiles all around, whether for a party, gift, or simply a cozy night by the fire. Give it a try, and soon you might find, like me, that these little sugarplums become a beloved holiday staple!

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