Name: Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 48 h 19 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 600 g dried fruit – mixture of figs, dates, raisins; 25 g crystalized ginger; 1 large orange – zest and juice; 1 tbsp brandy – or rum, optional; 200 g nuts – combination of almonds, pistachios, and pine nuts; ¼ tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp cardamom – powdered; ¼ tsp ginger – powdered; ¼ tsp caraway seeds; ⅛ tsp cloves – powdered; sugar for rolling

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 71 reviews

When the holiday season rolls around, I always look forward to sharing treats that feel both special and a little nostalgic. This Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly—rich dried fruits, warming spices, and that irresistible sugary coating all rolled into bite-sized delights. If you love the idea of something fruity, spicy, and festive that’s easy to prep ahead, you’ll find this recipe fan-freaking-tastic. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible, and these little balls of joy will disappear fast!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The mix of dried fruits and warm spices perfectly captures the festive spirit without overpowering your palate.
Simple Prep, Big Impact: Minimal cooking with mostly no-bake steps means you can have impressive treats with little fuss.
Make-Ahead Magic: Letting the balls chill and mature overnight really deepens flavor and improves texture.
Versatile Ingredient Choices: You can swap fruits or nuts easily to suit what you have or prefer, making it a flexible crowd-pleaser.

Festive Sugar Plum Balls, holiday fruit treats, no-bake holiday desserts, Christmas sweet snacks, simple holiday party sweets - The image shows a white plate with a pile of round, sugar-coated balls that have a rough texture from the sugar crystals. There are about ten balls in the pile, with colors mostly in dark purple, reddish-brown, and a couple in a greenish shade. One of the dark purple balls near the center has a small green leaf on its side. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a red cloth partially visible at the bottom left corner. The photo zooms in closely to highlight the sugar crystals and texture of the balls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices in this Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe creates a beautifully rich and textured bite. Each ingredient plays its part, so picking good quality fruits and nuts will really shine through—and don’t skip the fresh orange zest for that citrusy lift!

Festive Sugar Plum Balls, holiday fruit treats, no-bake holiday desserts, Christmas sweet snacks, simple holiday party sweets - Flat lay of a simple white ceramic bowl of mixed dried figs, dates, and raisins, a small white bowl filled with glistening crystallized ginger pieces, a handful of whole almonds, pistachios in shells, and pine nuts arranged neatly on the side, a whole large fresh orange with zest scattered alongside a small white bowl of bright orange juice, a separate small white bowl containing ground cinnamon, another small white bowl with ground cardamom, a small white bowl of ground ginger powder, a small white bowl filled with caraway seeds, and a tiny white bowl holding ground cloves, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dried Fruit: I go for a mix—figs, dates, and raisins add chewiness and natural sweetness.
Crystalized Ginger: Adds a spicy zing that complements the sweeter fruits.
Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, and pine nuts provide crunch and a buttery note.
Orange Zest and Juice: Fresh zest brightens the flavors, while juice helps soften the mix.
Brandy or Rum (Optional): Adds warmth and depth but isn’t mandatory if you prefer to skip alcohol.
Spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, caraway seeds, and cloves bring festive, warming aroma.
Sugar for Coating: Fine granulated sugar gives that signature sparkle and crunch outside.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe is so adaptable. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it based on what I have in the pantry or what guests prefer. Don’t hesitate to personalize—it’s all about what makes it your own festive favorite.

Add More Nuts: One year, I doubled the pistachios for extra crunch, and it became a family favorite for its texture.
Use Different Dried Fruits: Swap figs for dried apricots or cherries for a fruitier twist.
Go Nut-Free: I tried using seeds like pumpkin and sunflower for a nut-free version that didn’t sacrifice flavor.
Spice Level: If you want more warmth, increase the cinnamon and ginger slightly—just be careful not to overwhelm the fruity balance.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Fruits and Prep the Orange

Start by tossing your dried fruits, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and brandy (if using) in a large bowl. Letting them sit for a few minutes allows the fruits to soften and absorb those flavors—this makes the texture more luscious and fragrant. I usually do this while I toast the nuts so I’m efficient with time.

Step 2: Toast and Spice the Nuts

Coat your mixed nuts with the warming spices—cinnamon, cardamom, powdered ginger, caraway seeds, and cloves—and toast them in a dry pan for around 5 minutes. Keep stirring so they toast evenly and don’t burn. The spice-infused nuts add that special wow factor in both flavor and aroma.

Step 3: Blend It All Together

Once the nuts cool slightly, add them to the bowl with the soaked fruits and throw everything into a food processor. Pulse until it combines into a thick paste that’s sticky but moldable. This is when you’ll see your bowl transform into something magical that feels almost like a candy dough.

Step 4: Roll and Sugar Coat

Using your hands, roll the mixture into little plum-sized balls—don’t worry if they look rustic, that’s part of their charm! Then roll the balls in sugar generously, which adds that iconic crunch and sparkle. Place them in the fridge overnight to firm up, then roll in sugar once more before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe

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Use Fresh Orange Zest: Fresh zest adds brightness that powdered citrus just can’t match, so don’t skip it!
Don’t Overprocess: Pulse in short bursts to maintain some texture—over-blending turns it into an unappealing paste.
Chill Overnight: Letting the balls set overnight in the fridge makes the flavors meld and makes them easier to handle.
Double Sugar Coating: Rolling them twice ensures a perfect sugar crust that isn’t soggy.

How to Serve Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe

Festive Sugar Plum Balls, holiday fruit treats, no-bake holiday desserts, Christmas sweet snacks, simple holiday party sweets - The image shows four small round dark brown sweets with a rough texture and some small light bits inside, placed on a white bowl and a red cloth. Two sweets are inside the bowl, each topped with a small green leaf, sitting close side by side. Two more sweets are on the red cloth next to the bowl, with one of them cut to show the inside, revealing a dense, nutty texture with pieces of light-colored nuts visible. The background is a white marbled texture with soft natural light, giving a cozy and warm feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to serve these with a sprinkle of extra crushed pistachios or a few edible silver leaf flakes when I’m feeling fancy. It adds a festive shimmer and a pop of color that makes these plum balls shine on the holiday table.

Side Dishes

They’re perfect alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or mulled wine. I’ve also paired them with cheese boards—think mild cheddar or creamy brie—to balance the sweet and spice beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love presenting them in mini cupcake liners or nestled in a pretty wooden box lined with parchment paper. Adding fresh rosemary sprigs or small pine cones around the platter gives a cozy, festive vibe guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sugar plum balls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh and firm for up to a week. I find the flavors improve the longer they sit, so leftovers are often better than day one.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze them! I wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When thawed in the fridge, they retain their texture and flavor nicely—perfect for making a batch early in the season.

Reheating

No need to reheat these since they’re best served chilled or at room temperature. Just let them sit out for 10 minutes after fridge storage, and they’re ready to enjoy with their full flavor and texture intact.

FAQs

Can I make Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe without nuts?

Absolutely! You can replace nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or even toasted oats for a different texture. Be aware that the taste and crunch will change slightly, but it’s a great nut-free alternative.
How long can I store the plum balls?

Stored correctly in an airtight container in the fridge, they keep well for up to a week. They actually taste better after sitting a couple of days as the flavors mature beautifully.
Is it necessary to use brandy or rum?

Nope, that’s optional. The alcohol adds a lovely depth and warmth, but you can skip it and still have delicious results.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses dried fruits and nuts. For vegan, just ensure the sugar you use is certified vegan if that’s a concern. No animal products are needed here.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I whip up this Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe, I’m reminded why it’s such a beloved holiday treat. It’s easy, bursting with flavors, and perfect for sharing (or sneaking a few whenever no one’s looking). I can’t wait for you to try making it your own little festive tradition—it’s sure to bring a burst of sweet joy to your celebrations!