Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

I still remember the very first time I baked Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. It was one of those chilly December afternoons when the air carried the scent of pine, cinnamon, and freshly baked treats. As the cookies came out of the oven, their buttery aroma filled my kitchen, instantly reminding me of the holidays I had spent with family. The festive red cherries nestled inside the delicate shortbread brought a burst of color that looked just as cheerful on the cookie tray as the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. These cookies quickly became one of my holiday traditions, and now, I bake them every year to share with family, friends, and neighbors.

Why will you love this recipe? Because it delivers everything you want from a Christmas cookie—simple preparation, rich flavor, and a presentation that looks as joyful as the season itself. The shortbread base is buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and perfectly balanced by the sweet-tart maraschino cherries. Unlike some holiday desserts that require hours of work, these cookies come together quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The result is a cookie that feels indulgent but is still approachable enough for everyday bakers like us.

Another reason I cherish this recipe is its versatility. The basic dough is a classic shortbread, which means you can customize it in many ways. You can mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips, drizzle melted white chocolate over the baked cookies, or even dip one half of each cookie in chocolate for an extra-special touch. You can also swap the maraschino cherries for candied cherries if you prefer a slightly different flavor. No matter which variation you choose, the cookies always turn out beautifully festive and delicious.

These cookies are also very affordable to make. With just a few simple pantry staples—flour, butter, sugar, and a jar of maraschino cherries—you can whip up several dozen cookies that look bakery-perfect. This makes them a wonderful choice for cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, or even last-minute gifts. Wrapped in a festive tin or clear bag with a ribbon, they make heartfelt homemade presents that everyone appreciates.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup maraschino cherries, well-drained and finely chopped

• Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips or white chocolate for drizzling

How to Prepare This Recipe

When it comes to Christmas baking, I always look for recipes that combine tradition, flavor, and ease of preparation. These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies check every box. They are straightforward enough for a busy holiday schedule yet special enough to impress family and friends. I enjoy preparing them because the process is simple, stress-free, and filled with that nostalgic charm that makes Christmas baking so meaningful. Let me walk you step by step through the preparation, so you can bake a batch of these cookies with confidence.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the cherries
Start by draining the maraschino cherries very well. Excess liquid can affect the texture of the shortbread, so it’s important to pat the cherries dry with a paper towel before chopping them. Once dried, chop them into small, even pieces. This way, the cherries distribute evenly throughout the dough, giving each cookie festive red bursts of flavor.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter. Beat it with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies will have that signature melt-in-the-mouth texture that makes shortbread so irresistible. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients
Slowly sift in the all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed, just until the flour is incorporated into the butter mixture. Do not overmix at this stage, as overworking the dough can make the cookies tough rather than tender. The dough should look soft and slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed with your fingers.

Step 4: Fold in the cherries
Add the chopped maraschino cherries to the dough. If you want to make a variation, you can also fold in mini chocolate chips at this stage. Gently stir with a spatula until everything is evenly combined. The dough should look colorful, with bright red pieces of cherry scattered throughout.

Step 5: Shape the dough
Gather the dough together with your hands and form it into a log shape. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is important because it firms up the dough, making it easier to slice into even rounds. Chilling also helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Slice and bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the slices about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Shortbread cookies should not be overly browned; their delicate color is part of their charm.

Step 7: Cool and decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’d like to make them extra festive, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or dip one side into melted chocolate. Allow the decoration to set before serving.

Quick and Easy

The beauty of this recipe is that it doesn’t demand complicated steps or fancy equipment. A few bowls, a mixer, and basic ingredients are all you need. The chilling time is the only waiting period, and it can be easily planned ahead. This means you can prepare the dough one day, chill it overnight, and bake the cookies the next morning.

Customizable

What I love about these shortbread cookies is how easily they can be customized. If you like a little crunch, add finely chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds. If you prefer a sweeter touch, drizzle them with dark or white chocolate. You can even change the flavor slightly by using almond extract instead of vanilla. Each variation keeps the festive spirit but adds a personal touch.

Popular with Many People

Every time I bake these cookies, they disappear quickly from the cookie tray. They appeal to children who love the sweet cherries, adults who appreciate the buttery richness, and everyone who enjoys the cheerful holiday presentation. Whether you serve them at a Christmas party, package them for gifts, or keep a plate at home for cozy evenings by the fire, they’re always a hit.

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FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the dough for up to two months and slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Do I need to dry the maraschino cherries before adding them?
Absolutely. Drying the cherries is essential to avoid excess liquid in the dough. Moisture from the cherries can cause the cookies to spread too much or become soggy, so always pat them well with paper towels before chopping.

Can I substitute the maraschino cherries with another fruit?
Yes, you can replace them with candied cherries, dried cranberries, or even finely chopped dried apricots for a different flavor. Each option will give the cookies a slightly unique taste and texture, but all work beautifully.

How should I store these cookies?
Once baked and cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to two months in the freezer.

Do these cookies need any decoration?
Decoration is optional. They look lovely with the bright red cherries alone, but drizzling melted white or dark chocolate adds a festive touch. Some bakers also dip half of each cookie in chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or holiday sprinkles for an extra festive appearance.