Gluten-Free Sugarplums

Name: Gluten-Free Sugarplums
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.
Ingredients: 1-1/3 cups chopped walnuts; 1 cup pitted dates; 1 package (5 ounces) dried cherries; 1/4 cup honey; 2 teaspoons grated orange zest; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 cup coarse sugar

Lots of moist, fruity flavor and nutty crunch give these sweet/spicy bites a kind of gumdrop richness. They make a delicious addition to cookie trays. Sneak one early—they’ll be gone before you can lick the sugar off your fingers! —CORLEEN HEIDGERKEN, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

Ingredients

1-1/3 cups chopped walnuts
1 cup pitted dates
1 package (5 ounces) dried cherries
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup coarse sugar

Directions

Place the walnuts, dates and cherries in a food processor; cover and process until finely chopped. Transfer to a small bowl; stir in the honey, orange zest and spices. Roll into 1-in. balls, then roll in sugar. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Editor's Note

Read all ingredient labels for possible gluten content prior to use. Ingredient formulas can change, and production facilities vary among brands. If you’re concerned that your brand may contain gluten, contact the company.

Nutrition Facts

1 sugarplum: 84 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.

Originally published as Sugar Plums in Healthy Cooking December/January 2012

Reviews

My Review

Click stars to rate

Average Rating:

sallyl7

Dec 7, 2014

These are delish. They make wonderful gifts. I melted 1 cup of dark chocolate with 1 Tbs oil to pour over the top of the fruit balls!
dirios99

Sep 19, 2014

These are wonderful! I didn't have cherries so I used cranberries. I will try the cherries next time.
homemadewithlove

Jan 1, 2014

EXCELLENT! Huge hit and a surprise to ones who had never tried a "sugarplum" - only heard of them in Christmas stories. My husband is on a GF diet so it was nice to surprise him with a treat he could enjoy.
StellaB57

Jan 7, 2012

These were a huge hit everywhere I took them. I made several trays of treats for neighbors and work and everyone ranted and raved at how delicious these were. I'm sure I will make them every year from now on! Contrary to other reviews - using my food processor - I thought these were quick and easy!
interpretermom

Dec 28, 2011

Time consuming to make but very tasty! They were moist and flavorful with lots of spice.
tomlisahig

Dec 7, 2011

FABULOUS! I can't wait to get to the store for more dates. These are EXCELLENT!! My kids thought they were getting away with something eating the "dough"! I used almonds instead of walnuts, the texture was fine but walnuts would make them richer. I want to try dried apricots and/or golden raisins in place of or along with the dried cherries.