Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies (Soft, Sparkly & Magical for the Holidays)

Adam

Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies (Soft, Sparkly & Magical for the Holidays)

These Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are sweet, soft, dreamy little treats that almost feel magical. They have a buttery vanilla cookie base with a tender, melt-away texture, then they’re rolled in sparkling sugar that gives them a delicate crunch and an enchanting, fairy-dust shine. They look whimsical on cookie trays, and they taste even better — lightly sweet, buttery, soft, and cozy. These are perfect for holidays, tea parties, gifting, and any moment where you want something sweet and beautiful without being too complicated. Simple, elegant, and absolutely delightful.

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Prep Time 10

bake & Chill Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings: 26 cookies

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
Colored sparkling sugar or sanding sugar pink, purple, white, or mix

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups & spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cooling rack

Method

step1: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until creamy, soft, and smooth.

step2: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

step3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

step4: Add dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.

step5: Cover the dough and chill for 20–30 minutes to make shaping easier.

step6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

step7: Scoop small portions of dough and roll into smooth balls.

step8: Roll each cookie dough ball in sparkling sugar until well coated.

step9: Place on the baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.

step10: Bake for 8–11 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden.

The tops should remain soft, pale, and round.

step11: Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–6 days.

Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.

To refresh: warm a cookie 6 seconds in the microwave.

🥄 Variations (Normal Style)

Almond Fairy Cookies:
Replace 1 tsp vanilla with almond extract.

Sparkling Strawberry:
Add 1 tsp strawberry extract + use pink sanding sugar.

Lavender Fairy:
Add a tiny pinch of edible lavender for a floral twist.

Fairy Frosted:
Drizzle cooled cookies with powdered sugar icing for a dreamy glaze.

Marbled Sugar Look:
Roll cookies in a mix of sugar colors for a galaxy fairy sparkle.

❓ 10 FAQs

Do the cookies stay soft?
Yes — they stay tender inside with a light sugar crunch outside.

Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling helps prevent spreading — recommended.

What sugar works best for coating?
Sanding sugar or fine sparkling sugar holds color without melting.

Can I make them without egg?
Yes — replace with 2 tbsp milk.

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes — chill up to 24 hours.

Can kids help?
Absolutely — rolling in sparkles is the fun part!

Should they brown on top?
No — they should stay pale and soft.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze scoop-ready dough balls up to 2 months.

Can I make them bigger?
Yes — increase bake time by 1–2 minutes.

Why powdered sugar instead of granulated?
It gives the cookies a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

🏁 Conclusion

These Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies are soft, sweet, sparkly, and full of whimsical charm. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving something pretty and cozy, these cookies bring joy with every bite — simple magic in cookie form