Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday baking with something truly special, these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are exactly what you need. Bursting with buttery richness and the cheerful pop of bright red cherries, these cookies blend classic shortbread tenderness with festive flair. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering just the right amount of sweetness, a hint of vanilla, and, if you dare, a touch of mini chocolate chips for extra decadence. These cookies are sure to become your new holiday tradition, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or savoring all by yourself by the fireplace.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive color. From creamy butter to sweet cherries, every component elevates this cookie to holiday-star status.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This forms the rich, tender base that makes the cookies melt in your mouth.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Provides a smooth sweetness that blends seamlessly into the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, fragrant notes that deepen the overall flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for structure, creating the delicate crumb of shortbread.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped: Bursting with color and a juicy, sweet pop that screams holiday cheer.
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): Adds a luscious contrast of rich chocolate, elevating the cookies to a new level of indulgence.
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting: Finishing touch that adds a delicate, snowy look perfect for Christmas.

How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy. This step is crucial because the creamy consistency of the butter and sugar will give your shortbread that dreamlike tenderness we all crave.

Step 2: Add the Vanilla Extract

Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly. This subtle addition infuses the dough with a warm, familiar sweetness that beautifully complements the cherries and cuts through the buttery richness.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently and just until combined, being careful not to overmix, which could toughen the dough. The goal here is a delicate crumb that will literally melt on your tongue.

Step 4: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the mini chocolate chips. The cherries bring that iconic bright splash of red and juicy sweetness inside each cookie, while the chocolate chips lend a subtle, irresistible richness.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling solidifies the butter again, making the dough easier to handle and ensuring that the cookies bake up with the perfect texture and shape.

Step 6: Preheat, Shape, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the chilled dough into one-inch balls and arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Press down gently on each ball with the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly—this helps the cookies bake evenly. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, watching carefully for golden edges that signal perfection.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Once out of the oven, let your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies cool just enough to handle, then dust them with powdered sugar. This final flourish adds a delicate sweetness and turns them into snowy little gems perfect for the festive season.

How to Serve Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-special holiday touch, try decorating the cookies with a light drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. These garnishes not only add texture and flavor but also make your presentation irresistibly inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair these shortbread cookies with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a bold coffee for a delightful contrast of flavors. Their buttery sweetness beautifully complements warm, comforting beverages during chilly winter nights.

Creative Ways to Present

Place your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies in festive tins lined with holiday-themed parchment paper or arrange them on a decorative platter alongside some holiday greenery and twinkling fairy lights. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for a charming handmade gift that anyone would adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. Keeping them sealed tightly prevents the delicate texture from drying out and preserves that irresistible buttery taste.

Freezing

If you want to get a jump on the holidays, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy festive flavor any time.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm and just-baked-like, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back their tender melt-in-your-mouth texture and lets the cherries and buttery notes shine through freshly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a very different moisture content and tartness compared to maraschino cherries. Using fresh may change the texture of your shortbread and cause excess moisture during baking. Maraschino cherries are preferred for their sweetness, bright color, and consistent texture.

Are the mini chocolate chips necessary?

The mini chocolate chips are completely optional and add a delicious chocolate element that pairs wonderfully with the cherries. If you prefer a more traditional shortbread, feel free to leave them out.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be aware that the texture might differ slightly due to the properties of gluten-free flours.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling the dough firms up the butter so the cookies hold their shape better while baking. It also helps slow the spreading, resulting in a tender, thick shortbread with ideal texture.

How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too hard?

Be sure not to overbake your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Remove them as soon as the edges start turning golden and let them cool. Proper storage in an airtight container also helps keep them soft and tender.

Final Thoughts

The magic of Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies lies in their perfect blend of buttery richness, festive color, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re making them as a treat for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, they bring warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. Dive into this recipe and create a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds — I promise, once you try them, these cookies will hold a special spot in your heart every Christmas.

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