Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

The delightful aroma of buttery shortbread mingled with the sweet, slightly tangy burst of maraschino cherries creates an irresistible holiday treat. These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a warm hug during the festive season.

Growing up, my family had a tradition of baking cookies together every December. My grandma would always sneak extra cherries into the dough, claiming it was for “decoration,” but we all knew it was really so we could devour them while pretending to be helpful. This recipe brings back those memories and fills your home with joy and deliciousness!

You’ll absolutely love this recipe for several reasons: First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros who want to whip up something festive in no time. The unique flavor profile blends rich buttery notes with the bright sweetness of maraschino cherries, delivering a cookie that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, these cookies are stunningly beautiful with their cheerful red specks throughout, making them a showstopper on any holiday dessert table. Best of all, feel free to customize by adding nuts or different extracts to make them uniquely yours!

Ingredients for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Here’s what you need for this delicious dish:

Unsalted Butter (1 cup) Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing; this creamy base gives the cookies their rich flavor.

Sugar (3/4 cup) Use granulated sugar for sweetness that balances the tanginess of the cherries perfectly.

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) Provides the structure needed for those crumbly yet tender cookies; sift it before measuring to avoid lumps.

Maraschino Cherries (1/2 cup, chopped) Choose vibrant red cherries packed in syrup; they add a pop of color and sweetness that makes these cookies extra festive.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) A splash of this pure extract enhances the overall flavor profile and adds warmth to each bite.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon) Just a pinch brings out the flavors beautifully; don’t skip this step!

Step-by-Step Preparation Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare this delicious recipe:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial as it ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that golden hue everyone loves.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer at medium speed to cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This creates that airy texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Cherries

Next, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined. Gently fold in 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries with a spatula until they’re evenly distributed throughout your mixture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet mixture, stirring just until combined—be careful not to overmix!

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Garnish with additional chopped cherries if desired and serve immediately to enjoy their crumbly texture along with that delightful cherry surprise!

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, begin by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, gently fold in the flour and cherries for an even distribution before chilling the dough. This ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Add Your Personal Touch

For a delightful twist, consider substituting maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or even candied ginger. Feel free to swap out regular sugar for brown sugar to add a hint of molasses flavor in your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies.

Storage & Reheating

To keep your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies fresh and crumbly, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For extra crunch, separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Helpful Chef Tips

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture in your cookies.

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes; this helps solidify the butter for perfect cookie shapes.

Don’t overmix once you add the flour; this could lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.

I still remember my first batch of Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies—the kitchen was a disaster, but oh, the joy on my family’s faces as they devoured them!

Conclusion for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Indulging in Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies is more than just a treat; it’s an experience filled with delightful flavors and festive cheer. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the sweet bursts of maraschino cherries makes these cookies a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. They are easy to make and will impress family and friends alike. Don’t miss out on the joy of baking these cookies this season! Gather your ingredients and create a batch today—your taste buds will thank you!

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FAQs

How can I store Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?

To keep your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for about one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Can I use different types of cherries for this recipe?

Yes! While maraschino cherries are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other cherry varieties if you prefer. Just ensure that they are well-drained and chopped finely. This way, they will blend beautifully into the shortbread dough without adding excess moisture.

What can I substitute if I don’t have unsalted butter?

If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, you can use salted butter instead. Just remember to reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming too salty. You can also consider using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are ready when the edges turn lightly golden brown but the centers remain pale. They should feel firm to the touch but still soft inside. Remember that they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid overbaking!