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

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 39 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for that perfect bite-sized festive treat, I’ve got just the thing for you: a Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe that’s bursting with juicy dried fruit, warming spices, and a touch of citrus zing. These little delights are an absolute showstopper during the holidays — and trust me, once you make them, you’ll want to keep a stash handy year-round!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The mix of dried fruit, toasted nuts, and spices creates a deliciously complex taste that’s sweet, tart, and warmly spiced.
Simple No-Bake Preparation: It comes together quickly with no oven required, making it perfect for busy holidays or last-minute gifts.
Great Texture Contrast: Soft fruit paste rolled into balls with the crunch of nuts and a sugar coating for the ultimate mouthfeel.
Matures Beautifully: Letting the balls sit for a couple of days deepens the flavor — this recipe keeps on giving!

Festive Sugar Plum Balls, holiday treat ideas, no-bake holiday desserts, Christmas sweet treats, easy festive snacks - 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 magic of this Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe lies in the harmonious pairing of chewy dried fruits with aromatic spices and crunchy nuts. Each ingredient brings something special, making these treats a cozy holiday favorite. When shopping, hunt for high-quality dried fruits and fresh nuts to really make a difference!

Festive Sugar Plum Balls, holiday treat ideas, no-bake holiday desserts, Christmas sweet treats, easy festive snacks - 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: A mix like figs, dates, and raisins offers varied sweetness and softness that bind perfectly.
Crystalized Ginger: Adds a little zing and texture punch, balancing the sweetness with warmth.
Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, and pine nuts give texture and a hint of earthiness; toasting enhances their flavor.
Orange (Zest and Juice): Citrus brightness cuts through the richness and adds freshness.
Brandy or Rum (Optional): A splash adds depth and a festive aroma — totally optional but worth it!
Spices (Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger, Caraway Seeds, Cloves): These warm spices create the signature holiday vibe and lovely complexity.
Sugar: Coats the balls for a nice sweet finish and a gentle crunch.

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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 how forgiving this recipe is, so you can easily adjust spices and nuts depending on what you like or have on hand. You can also make it vegan by skipping the brandy or using a fruit liqueur instead!

Vegan Variation: Omit brandy or swap for orange blossom water for a non-alcoholic twist I’ve enjoyed in family gatherings.
Nut-Free: Try sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds toasted for crunch if you’re avoiding nuts — surprisingly delicious!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili or cayenne for warmth if you like a little heat with your sweets.
Seasonal Additions: Toss in some chopped dried cranberries or apricots for extra tartness around Thanksgiving or Christmas.

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

Step 1: Soak the Fruit for Maximum Flavor

Start by mixing your chosen dried fruits in a large bowl. Add the freshly grated orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and the optional splash of brandy. Let this mixture sit while you prep the nuts — this soaking step is key to getting that lovely juicy, tender texture in every bite.

Step 2: Spice & Toast the Nuts

Toss your nuts in the ground spices — cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, caraway, and cloves all make an appearance here. Toast them in a dry pan for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor this adds — don’t skip it! Let the nuts cool for a couple of minutes before the next step.

Step 3: Blend Everything into a Thick Paste

Add the soaked fruits (including any juices left), toasted nuts, and crystallized ginger to your food processor. Pulse until everything comes together into a sticky, moldable paste. You want it thick enough to form balls without falling apart, so pulse carefully to avoid over-processing.

Step 4: Roll, Chill, and Coat

Pinch off portions of the mixture and roll them into plum-sized balls with your hands. Roll each in a bowl of sugar for a sparkly, sweet exterior. Pop them in the fridge overnight to set. In the morning (or next day), roll them once more in sugar — this double coating really makes the balls shine and adds a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Let the Flavors Mature

Store your Festive Sugar Plum Balls in an airtight container for at least two days. This rest time allows the spices and citrus to mingle beautifully. The longer they sit, the better they taste — believe me, it’s worth the wait!

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Pro Tips for Making Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe

Don’t Skip Toasting Nuts: Toasting makes a huge flavor difference and gives a warm, nutty aroma that balances the fruit.
Use Fresh Orange Zest & Juice: It brightens the mixture and prevents the balls from tasting too dense or heavy.
Chill Thoroughly: Let the balls rest overnight before coating again — it helps them firm up and the flavors deepen.
Handle with Slightly Wet Hands: If the mixture sticks to your hands too much, just dampen them a bit to roll more easily.

How to Serve Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe

Festive Sugar Plum Balls, holiday treat ideas, no-bake holiday desserts, Christmas sweet treats, easy festive snacks - 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 sprinkle an extra dusting of superfine sugar or a few crushed pistachios on top for a festive look. Sometimes a light dust of edible gold or silver glitter adds an extra holiday sparkle — perfect if you’re gifting or hosting.

Side Dishes

These sugar plum balls pair beautifully with a cup of spiced tea or mulled wine. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside cheese boards featuring sharp cheeses and quiet crackers — the sweetness cuts through gorgeously.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging them on pretty glass trays or rustic wooden boards, surrounded by fresh sprigs of rosemary or holly. Wrapping them individually in wax paper tied with twine makes for charming edible gifts that friends rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep mine in an airtight container in the fridge. They hold up well for 1 to 2 weeks, and honestly, they sometimes taste even better after a few days as the flavors deepen.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freezing works great. Lay them out on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight — they keep their texture surprisingly well.

Reheating

No reheating needed here — these are best served chilled or at room temperature. Just bring them out 15 minutes before serving so they’re not too firm and you get the full flavor on your palate.

FAQs

Can I use other dried fruits for this recipe?

Absolutely! This Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe is very flexible. I’ve had great results swapping in dried apricots, cherries, or even chopped dried mango for fun twists. Just be mindful of the overall moisture level to keep the mixture moldable.
What if I don’t have a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, try finely chopping the dried fruit and nuts by hand, then mix thoroughly with the other ingredients. It’ll require a bit more elbow grease, but it’s doable! Alternatively, a powerful blender with a pulse function can work too.
Can I make these without alcohol?

Yes, you can skip the brandy or rum without sacrificing much flavor. I sometimes swap it for a little extra orange juice or a teaspoon of orange blossom water for a fragrant, alcohol-free option.
How long do these sugar plum balls keep?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, these plum balls last about 1 to 2 weeks. Their flavor actually improves after a couple of days resting, making them perfect to prepare ahead of a party.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Festive Sugar Plum Balls Recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions. It’s a no-fuss, make-ahead snack that always gets gobbled up quickly — a neat balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty that’s hard to beat. If you want to impress your guests or just treat yourself with something deliciously seasonal and homemade, I can’t recommend these enough. Give them a try — I’m confident they’ll become one of your favorite festive treats too!