As I sifted through my spice cabinet, I stumbled upon a jar of maraschino cherries that had been waiting patiently for their time to shine. Suddenly, I felt inspired to whip up a batch of Festive Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. These delightful treats are the perfect blend of rich butteriness and sweet, tangy cherry goodness, making them a fabulous addition to any holiday gathering. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they’re also a lovely way to impress family and friends with a fun twist on traditional shortbread. Whether you’re looking to fill your cookie tin or just want a tasty pick-me-up while wrapping gifts, these Cherry Shortbread Cookies are sure to bring festive cheer to your home. Ready to discover the joy of holiday baking? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why are these cookies a holiday favorite?
Buttery Bliss: Every bite of these cookies melts in your mouth, combining the rich taste of butter with sweet maraschino cherries.
Colorful Appeal: The vibrant red cherries make these cookies visually stunning, perfect for holiday platters.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up faster than you can say ‘Merry Christmas!’
Versatile Treat: Whether you add optional chocolate chips or keep them pure, these cookies cater to every palate.
Perfect for Sharing: Bring joy to any gathering by serving these cookies alongside a warm beverage. Try pairing them with a cup of cocoa for an indulgent experience!
Cherry Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – The base of the dough, providing that rich, buttery flavor; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies; feel free to swap with a sugar alternative for a healthier choice.
• All-Purpose Flour – The primary structure of the cookies; gluten-free flour can work well if needed.
• Maraschino Cherries – Infuse sweet-tart joy into each bite; be sure to chop and drain them well to keep the dough from becoming too wet.
• Mini Chocolate Chips (optional) – Add a delicious melt-in-your-mouth experience; consider substituting with white chocolate for a twist.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin your festive baking by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly baked batch of Cherry Shortbread Cookies. While the oven heats up, gather your mixing bowls and cookie sheets, lining the sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Flour and Cherries
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, ensuring it blends smoothly into the creamed mixture. Once incorporated, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and optional mini chocolate chips using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tougher cookies. Your dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop equal amounts of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each scoop. Gently press the tops of the cookies down to flatten them slightly. This will help them bake evenly and give them a nice shape.
Step 5: Bake
With the oven preheated, place the baking sheets in the center rack and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; they are ready when the edges turn a light golden brown, while the centers remain soft. Their delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!
Step 6: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them set. After that, gently transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Your enticing Cherry Shortbread Cookies are now ready to delight your family and friends!
How to Store and Freeze Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer-lasting cookies, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze your Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
What to Serve with Festive Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
These buttery cookies bring a touch of sweetness to holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with various festive delights.
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Warm Cocoa: Rich, velvety hot chocolate complements the cookies’ buttery texture, making it the epitome of cozy holiday treats.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of fruits balances the richness, adding a burst of color and flavor to your dessert table.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy ice cream enhances the sweetness of the cookies and provides a delectable contrast to their crumbly texture.
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Earl Grey Tea: The bergamot notes of Earl Grey bring a sophisticated touch, perfectly harmonizing with the flavors of cherry and butter.
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Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting on top adds a festive flair and sweetness, elevating the presentation for holiday parties.
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Mint Hot Chocolate: Combining mint and chocolate creates a refreshing drink that pairs exquisitely with the sweet and rich cookies.
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Almond Biscotti: For a delightful crunch, serve alongside almond biscotti that will complement the cookies and add a unique texture to the spread.
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Spiced Cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings comforting flavors that enhance the festive spirit while beautifully pairing with the cherries in the cookies.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer creamy sweetness, balancing the fruity aspects of your Cherry Shortbread Cookies for an indulgent experience.
Cherry Shortbread Cookies Variations
Personalizing your Cherry Shortbread Cookies can ignite your creativity and elevate your holiday treats to the next level.
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Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the cherries beautifully. They bring a wonderful texture contrast and earthy flavor to the cookies.
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Different Chips: Swap in dark chocolate or butterscotch chips instead of mini chocolate chips to give each bite a new layer of sweetness. This simple change can completely transform the flavor profile!
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Almond Extract: Incorporate a teaspoon of almond extract into the dough for a warm, nutty flavor that enhances the rich butteriness. This twist amplifies the festive spirit of your cookies and adds complexity.
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Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, fold in sweetened shredded coconut. The chewiness of coconut pairs wonderfully with the soft texture of the shortbread and the tart cherries.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture—everyone can enjoy these festive treats!
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Zesty Lemon: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest can give the cookies a refreshing citrus contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cherries perfectly. This brightens up the flavors, making them even more inviting.
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Spicy Heat: For those who like a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the dough. This unexpected heat complements the sweetness and will surprise your taste buds.
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Holiday Sprinkles: Top cookies with festive sprinkles before baking for a holiday-ready touch that adds color and flair. Kids and adults alike will be drawn to their cheerful appearance!
Why not also explore other delightful cookie recipes like these Danish Butter Cookies or treat your gathering to some Orange Cranberry Cookies? Each recipe is a fun way to celebrate the season.
Expert Tips for Cherry Shortbread Cookies
• Perfectly Softened Butter: Always use unsalted butter at room temperature; cold butter won’t cream properly, affecting the texture of your Cherry Shortbread Cookies.
• Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix gently to maintain a tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely want to avoid!
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; every oven is different. They should be light golden at the edges and soft in the center when ready.
• Chop Cherries Well: Ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and finely chopped to prevent excess moisture in the dough, which could ruin the cookie texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to tailor your Cherry Shortbread Cookies by adding your favorite extra ingredients, like nuts or different chocolate chips, to create a unique holiday treat.
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply prepare it as directed and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. To maintain the cookies’ delightful texture and prevent over-spreading, scoop the dough into individual cookie shapes and chill the dough balls directly. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as usual. This way, your cookies will be just as delicious, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities with family and friends!
Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
How should I select maraschino cherries for the recipe?
Absolutely! Choose bright red cherries that are free from dark spots and have a firm texture. Ensure they’re well-drained and chopped finely to avoid excess moisture in your cookie dough, which can lead to a soggy texture.
What’s the best way to store the Cherry Shortbread Cookies?
Feel free to keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, store them in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months. For freezing, separate layers with parchment paper and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can I freeze the Cherry Shortbread Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, arrange the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
What if my cookie dough feels too sticky?
Very important to note! If your dough feels overly sticky, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps firm up the butter, making it easier to scoop and shape the cookies. Always ensure your maraschino cherries are fully drained and chopped well to prevent added moisture, which can lead to stickiness.
Can I use different types of flour?
Of course! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum, which will help achieve a nice texture.
Irresistibly Buttery Cherry Shortbread Cookies for the Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually sift in flour and fold in chopped maraschino cherries and optional mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop equal amounts of dough onto the sheets, leaving space between each. Flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are light golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
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