Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat that’s bursting with festive cheer, you have to try this Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These tender, buttery cookies combine the rich crumbly texture of classic shortbread with vibrant, juicy maraschino cherries and optional mini chocolate chips for a perfectly balanced bite. Not only do they look charming on any holiday cookie tray with their bright pops of red, but their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtly sweet flavors make them an instant favorite for family gatherings or gifting. Every bite feels like Christmas!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential to achieving the perfect Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a key role in creating those tender, buttery crumbs and that inviting festive color and flavor.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The backbone of your shortbread, providing richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Gives a silky sweetness that blends smoothly for a delicate crumb.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and subtle depth to the cookie’s flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Creates structure without being heavy, ensuring tenderness.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
• Maraschino Cherries (1/2 cup, chopped): The star of the show, bringing juicy bursts of festive color and sweetness.
• Mini Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup, optional): For those who want a luscious, melty chocolate twist in every bite.
• Extra Powdered Sugar (for dusting): The perfect snowy finish that adds a holiday touch.

How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter together with the powdered sugar until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. This step is crucial because it builds the luscious, buttery base that will define the soft texture of your shortbread cookies.

Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract

Mix in the vanilla extract, infusing the dough with a warm, sweet aroma that elevates every bite. It’s a small addition but makes a delicious difference.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix just until everything comes together; be gentle here to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the cookies. The goal is a tender, crumbly consistency.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and, if you’re using them, mini chocolate chips. The cherries provide delightful bursts of red and juicy sweetness, while the chocolate chips add a luscious depth of flavor that complements the buttery dough perfectly.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it for at least one hour. This chilling step is not just about convenience—it firms up the dough so it’s easier to shape and helps the cookies hold their form while baking, resulting in the ideal tender texture.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Press down gently on each ball with the bottom of a glass to create that classic shortbread shape. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, watching closely for the edges to turn a delicate golden color. Resist the urge to overbake—these cookies should remain tender and crumbly, not crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. While they’re still warm, dust with extra powdered sugar for that snowy, festive finish that perfectly complements the rich flavors inside.

How to Serve Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, consider garnishing these cookies with a few whole maraschino cherries on top right after dusting with powdered sugar. A light sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios also adds a lovely pop of green and a subtle crunch that highlights the holiday spirit beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced tea, hot cocoa, or a rich coffee. Serving them alongside a festive punch or mulled wine will create a perfect balance of sweet and cozy indulgence for your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly memorable holiday treat, arrange your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe on a tiered cookie stand decorated with holly sprigs or pine cones. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon makes charming edible gifts that are sure to delight friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their tender texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough before baking by shaping it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Finished cookies also freeze well for up to three months, just thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, gently reheat them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that freshly-baked softness without drying them out or melting the powdered sugar dusting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and less sweetness than maraschino cherries, which could affect both texture and flavor. If you want to use fresh cherries, drain them very well and consider adding a bit more sugar to the dough to maintain balance.

Are mini chocolate chips necessary in this recipe?

No, the mini chocolate chips are optional. They add a rich, melty element that pairs well with cherries, but the cookies are just as delightful without them if you prefer to keep it classic or reduce sweetness.

What makes these cookies different from regular shortbread?

The inclusion of chopped maraschino cherries and optional mini chocolate chips sets these cookies apart, adding festive color, juicy pops of sweetness, and an extra layer of flavor that transform traditional shortbread into a Christmas celebration treat.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but be cautious as the texture might change slightly. Adding a small amount of xanthan gum can help mimic the original shortbread structure.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling firms up the butter and dough, which helps the cookies keep their shape while baking and contributes to that tender, crumbly texture that’s signature to shortbread. Skip this step, and you risk spreading cookies that lose their delicate bite.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a burst of festive flavor and color to their holiday baking. It’s easy enough to make in one afternoon and results in a batch of cookies that disappear fast—whether at your family table or wrapped up as gifts. Give it a try, and I promise these charming cookies will become a treasured part of your seasonal tradition!

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