Sugarplums Recipe a Festive Easy No Bake Sweet Treat

These festive sugarplums are a classic holiday treat! Sweet, chewy, and beautifully spiced, they bring that “storybook magic” to your dessert table no baking required. I first tried these as a fun way to recreate the treats from The Night Before Christmas, and now they’re a staple in my holiday lineup. With dried fruits, nuts, a touch of honey, and a dusting of sugar, they’re a simple but elegant treat that both kids and adults love.

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Why You’ll Love These Classic Sugarplums

These sugarplums are everything you want in a holiday treat sweet but not overpowering, lightly spiced, and full of texture. They’re quick to make, require no baking, and keep well, making them perfect for holiday gifting, cookie trays, or a sweet after-dinner nibble by the fire.

Simple Ingredients

Here’s what makes these sugarplums so delightful:

• Dried Figs: Naturally sweet and chewy, they form the perfect base.
• Dried Apricots: Adds brightness and a tangy note to balance sweetness.
• Dried Dates: Rich and sticky, these help bind everything together.
• Almonds: Provide a nutty crunch and pair perfectly with the fruits.
• Pecans: Add warmth and a buttery texture.
• Honey: Gives sweetness and helps everything hold together.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic holiday spices for that cozy, warm flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: A subtle hint that rounds out the flavors.
• Granulated Sugar: For rolling, giving that classic sparkly finish.

Servings and Timings

Servings: 24 sugarplums
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

What is Needed

• 1 cup dried figs, stems removed
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1 cup pitted dates
• ½ cup almonds
• ½ cup pecans
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Roughly chop figs, apricots, dates, almonds, and pecans for easier blending.
2. Place the dried fruits, nuts, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is sticky and finely chopped.
3. Scoop out small portions and roll into 1-inch balls using your hands.
4. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated.
5. Place finished sugarplums in an airtight container or mini paper cups.

Top Tips

• Festive aesthetic: Sprinkle or roll sugarplum in sugar sprinkles (Affiliate).
• Chill before rolling: Pop the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes if it feels too sticky.
• Get the kids involved: Kids love rolling these into balls it’s a fun holiday activity!
• Try different fruits: Swap apricots for cranberries or figs for raisins to mix things up.
• Use gloves: Prevents stickiness when rolling.

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Recipe Variations and Enhancements

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a richer treat.
• Coconut Coating: Roll in shredded coconut instead of sugar for a tropical twist.
• Boozy Sugarplums: Add a splash of rum or brandy for an adult version.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to the mixture to enhance the natural sweetness and balance the flavors.
• Citrus zest (orange or lemon) adds brightness and depth. Just ½ teaspoon can make a big difference.
• A splash of orange liqueur or brandy can deepen the flavor and give an elegant, grown-up twist.
• Freshly grated ginger instead of dried spices for a warmer, spicier bite.
• Toast the nuts before blending. It brings out their natural oils and enhances the richness.
• For extra chew, add shredded coconut to the mixture or use it as an alternative coating to sugar.
• Mix in crisp rice cereal or crushed gingersnaps for a little crunch if you want a more playful texture.
• Mini dark chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate stirred in after blending adds richness.
• Dip half the sugarplum in melted chocolate and let it set—this makes them gift-worthy and luxurious.
• Roll in sparkling sanding sugar or edible glitter for a magical, holiday-ready finish.
• Use mild cinnamon only (skip nutmeg if your kids don’t like strong spices).
• Let kids roll the mixture into shapes like stars or hearts using silicone molds.
• Roll in colored sugars to make them more fun and festive (think red, green, and gold).

Recommended Equipment

• Food processor
• Cutting board & knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Airtight container

Make Ahead Tips

These sugarplums can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in an airtight container.

How to Store & Reheat

Store at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. They do not require reheating just enjoy straight from the container!

What to Serve With This Recipe

These sugarplums pair perfectly with holiday cookies, hot cocoa, mulled wine, or on a Christmas dessert platter with fudge and truffles.

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Sugarplums date back to the 17th century, originally referring to small, sugar-coated confections. The version we enjoy today made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices became popular as a festive, no-bake holiday treat often referenced in classic Christmas literature.

More Christmas Recipes

Try these you will love them!

Festive Sugarplums

Michelle

Sweet, spiced, and delicious these no-bake festive sugarplums are the perfect Christmas treat for gifting or holiday trays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 24

Equipment

• Food processor Optional
• Cutting Board & Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Airtight container

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup dried figs stems removed
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1 cup pitted dates
• ½ cup almonds
• ½ cup pecans
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Fruit & Nuts: Roughly chop figs, apricots, dates, almonds, and pecans for easier blending.
• Blend Everything Together: Place the dried fruits, nuts, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is sticky and finely chopped.
• Shape the Sugarplums: Scoop out small portions and roll into 1-inch balls using your hands.
• Coat with Sugar: Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated.
• Serve & Store: Place finished sugarplums in an airtight container or mini paper cups.

Notes

• If your mixture is too dry, add a drizzle of honey. For a finer texture, process the mixture longer.
• Add sugar sparkles for a festive aesthetic.

 

Keyword Festive Sugarplums

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!