Festive Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Christmas

Festive baking reaches new heights with these delightful christmas maraschino cherry shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth.

Sweet memories dance through kitchen spaces when cherries sparkle against buttery dough.

Soft crimson jewels nestle within delicate crumbly edges, creating visual magic.

Seasonal joy bursts from every tender bite, promising pure comfort.

Classic shortbread transforms into something magical with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

A simple recipe guarantees smiling faces and warm connections around your holiday table.

You won’t believe how quickly these cookies disappear when served to loved ones.

What Makes Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies So Special

Craft Festive Delights: Discover the Joy of Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Bake with Minimal Fuss: This recipe requires basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Create Stunning Holiday Treats: Packed with chocolate chips and vibrant maraschino cherries, these cookies deliver a delightful visual and flavor experience that will impress family and friends.
• Prepare in Advance: The make-ahead dough log allows for convenient preparation, enabling you to slice and bake cookies whenever the holiday spirit strikes or unexpected guests arrive.
• Spread Christmas Cheer: These cookies serve as a wonderful gift or dessert for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and festive celebrations, adding a touch of homemade warmth to any occasion.

Ingredients for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the shortbread cookies.
• Fine Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and provides the classic buttery flavor of shortbread.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Delivers a delicate sweetness and contributes to the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth and complementary flavor to the cookies.

• Chocolate Chips, Maraschino Cherries: Introduce delightful bursts of flavor and festive color to the classic shortbread base.

How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour and salt together in a medium bowl until well combined.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dough Mixture

Slowly add flour mixture to the butter mixture.

Mix until the dough starts to form clumps and comes together.

Step 4: Fold in Delightful Extras

Gently incorporate chocolate chips and maraschino cherries into the dough.

Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Shape and Chill Dough

Roll the dough into a compact log about 2 inches thick.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to firm up.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Setup

Heat the oven to 325°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7: Slice and Arrange Cookies

Remove dough from refrigerator and slice into 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick rounds.

If any pieces crumble, gently press back together. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet with 1 inch of space between them.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake cookies for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges turn light golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips for Tender and Flavorful Christmas Cherry Shortbreads

• Ensure butter is genuinely soft at room temperature for seamless mixing and smoother cookie texture.
• Chill the dough log completely to prevent spreading and maintain precise cookie shapes during baking.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting cookie consistency.
• Use a sharp knife for clean, even cookie slices when cutting the refrigerated dough log.
• Optional: Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant, festive finishing touch.

Variations of Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cherry Shortbread: Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free flour mix, maintaining the same measurements. Adjust baking time slightly to prevent over-browning.
• Nutty Cherry Variation: Incorporate chopped pecans or sliced almonds into the dough for added crunch and depth of flavor. Reduce chocolate chips by half to balance the nut texture.
• Vegan Cherry Cookies: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and replace confectioners' sugar with a plant-based powdered sugar alternative. Ensure all ingredients are certified vegan.
• Orange-Infused Cherry Cookies: Add orange zest to the dough and replace vanilla extract with orange extract. Use white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a brighter, citrusy flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Christmas Cherry Shortbreads

• Select a sweet moscato or port wine that complements the shortbread's buttery texture and cherry hints. The wine's gentle sweetness will enhance the cookie's delicate flavor profile without overwhelming it.
• Brew a classic chai tea or vanilla-infused black tea to match the cookies' warm, rich undertones. The spicy and creamy tea notes will beautifully highlight the chocolate and cherry elements in the shortbread.
• Serve alongside a light vanilla bean gelato or whipped mascarpone cream. These creamy accompaniments will provide a smooth contrast to the cookie's crisp texture while amplifying the dessert's delightful Christmas spirit.

Storage Advice for Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between each row. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent chocolate chips from melting.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring complete protection from freezer burn.
• Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, keeping away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Place a piece of bread inside to help maintain moisture and softness.

FAQs

• Are maraschino cherries essential to this recipe?

Maraschino cherries provide a festive touch and sweet flavor that makes these shortbread cookies special. If unavailable, you can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped candied cherries.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough log and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This method allows the flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to slice.

• How do I prevent the cookies from crumbling when slicing?

Ensure the dough is well-chilled and use a sharp knife. If a slice crumbles, gently press it back together with your fingers. Patience and a cold dough are key to clean, neat slices.

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas maraschino cherry shortbread cookies bring delightful holiday cheer to dessert tables. Sweet cherry-studded cookies offer buttery richness and elegant crumbly texture that delights winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips (premium quality)
• 3/4 cup maraschino cherries (well-drained, chopped)
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp fine salt

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Instructions

1. Blend flour and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a foundational dry mixture for the shortbread cookies.
2. Cream softened butter with confectioners’ sugar until smooth, then infuse with vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
3. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter blend, mixing until the dough forms substantial, cohesive clumps.
4. Gently fold chocolate chips and maraschino cherries throughout the dough, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
5. Craft the dough into a compact cylindrical log measuring approximately 2 inches in diameter. Encase tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to solidify.
6. Heat oven to 325°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for cookie placement.
7. Extract chilled dough log and slice into uniform 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick rounds. Reassemble any crumbling sections with gentle pressure. Position slices on baking sheet with sufficient spacing.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes until edges display a delicate golden tinge, indicating perfect shortbread texture.
9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.

Notes

• Softening butter is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy base that blends perfectly with sugar, ensuring a light and tender cookie texture.
• Chilling the dough allows flavors to meld and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking, creating a more compact and elegant shape.
• Slice cookies with a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts to get clean, even edges that make each cookie look professionally prepared.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurement to preserve the cookie’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 142
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 38 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg