Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
These festive Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies combine buttery, tender shortbread with bursts of sweet maraschino cherries and optional mini chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor. Perfectly chilled and baked to a delicate golden edge, these cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful holiday treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For Dusting
- Extra powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step ensures a light, buttery base for your shortbread.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a subtle sweet aroma and flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to preserve the tender texture of the cookies.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and, if using, the mini chocolate chips. These add sweet bursts and a delightful contrast in taste.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and improving the final texture.
- Preheat and Shape: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass to shape the cookies.
- Bake: Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Watch closely to avoid overbaking, as shortbread is best tender and crumbly.
- Cool and Dust: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. While still warm, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar for a festive look and a sweet finish.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter is softened but not melted before creaming.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining shape during baking and achieving the ideal texture.
- You can omit chocolate chips if you prefer the pure cherry flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before stacking to avoid sticking.
Keywords: christmas cookies, shortbread cookies, maraschino cherry cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies, chocolate chip cookies