The Best White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe Ever

Sweet memories often bloom around white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies that sparkle with festive charm.

Buttery crumbs melt into delicate layers of pure comfort.

Cherries add vibrant bursts of fruity excitement against creamy white chocolate chunks.

Delicate and crisp, these cookies promise a delightful escape from ordinary treats.

Rich textures dance between soft and crumbly, creating a sensational bite.

Passionate bakers know these cookies deliver pure magic in every delectable morsel.

One taste will transport you to a world of indulgent bliss.

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies You’ll Crave

• Craft Delightful Treats: These cookies bring a perfect blend of sweet white chocolate and tangy cherries, creating a gourmet experience right in your kitchen.
• Master Simple Baking: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, even novice bakers can confidently create these delicious shortbread cookies without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or afternoon tea, these cookies offer a sophisticated twist on traditional shortbread that everyone will adore.
• Quick Baking Joy: From mixing to cooling, these cookies come together rapidly, making them an excellent choice for spontaneous baking moments or last-minute dessert needs.

Ingredients for White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the shortbread cookies.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and adds wonderful flavor to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a delicate, crumbly texture.

• White Chocolate Chips: Adds creamy sweetness and melts beautifully throughout the cookies.
• Dried Cherries: Provides a tangy, fruity burst of flavor that complements the white chocolate.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile of the shortbread.

How to Bake White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). This toasty temperature will help create perfectly golden cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Base

• All-purpose flour
• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

Blend these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, cohesive dough that feels like a delightful edible clay.

Step 3: Sprinkle in Delicious Extras

• White chocolate chips
• Chopped fresh cherries

Stir until these yummy morsels are evenly scattered throughout the mixture, creating little pockets of sweet surprise.

Step 4: Shape Your Tasty Treats

Roll the dough into adorable bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet, leaving a bit of breathing room between each cookie.

Press down gently with a fork or fingertips to create a classic shortbread shape.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the warm oven.

Let the cookies bake for 12 minutes until their edges turn a beautiful golden brown, signaling they’re ready to be devoured.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few moments.

Then transfer them to a wire rack, letting them cool completely. These delectable treats are now ready to be savored with a cup of tea or shared with friends.

Tips to Nail White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Refrigerate the cookie mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
• Pat dried cherries with a paper towel to remove excess liquid, ensuring the cookies don't become soggy during baking.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid bottom burning and create easy cookie removal.
• Lightly toast white chocolate chips before adding to the dough to enhance their nutty, caramelized flavor profile.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh for several days.

Variations on White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Cherry Almond Crunch: Replace white chocolate chips with sliced almonds and add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty flavor profile.
• Lemon Drizzle Version: Mix in lemon zest to the dough and create a light lemon glaze by combining powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice to drizzle over cooled cookies.
• Dark Chocolate Cherry: Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks and use dried cherries instead of fresh for a rich, intense taste.
• Coconut Cherry Bliss: Fold shredded coconut into the dough and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top after baking for a tropical-inspired cookie.

Pairings to Enjoy with White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Pair these delightful white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies with a light, crisp moscato wine that enhances the sweet cherry notes.
• Brew Perfect Companion: Serve alongside a creamy chai latte, whose warm spices beautifully contrast the cookie's buttery white chocolate base.
• Dessert Wine Magic: Match with a chilled glass of port wine, its rich, fortified character creating a luxurious taste experience that elevates the cookie's delicate flavors.
• Refreshing Contrast: Enjoy with a sparkling elderflower spritzer, which provides a bright, effervescent counterpoint to the rich, sweet cookie texture.

How to Store White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days for maximum freshness.

Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Warm briefly in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.

Reheat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Check carefully to avoid overheating and maintain their delicate texture.

FAQs

• Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, dried cherries work perfectly. Just chop them finely and pat them dry before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture.

• Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required for this recipe. You can mix and bake the cookies immediately after preparing the dough.

• How do I prevent the white chocolate chips from burning?

Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and avoid overbaking. The cookies should have lightly golden edges when done. If your oven runs hot, you might want to check them a minute or two earlier.

• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking cookies. Just make sure to use a blend that has xanthan gum for better texture.

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies merge classic Scottish baking with modern dessert elegance. Crisp buttery rounds studded with tart cherries and creamy white chocolate chips offer a delightful treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar

Chocolate and Fruit:

• 1/2 cup (85 grams) white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped cherries (fresh or dried)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dough by blending flour, softened butter, and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel until a cohesive mixture forms.
2. Gently fold white chocolate chips and diced cherries throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Create uniform spherical portions of dough, positioning them methodically on a lined baking sheet with adequate spacing.
4. Delicately press each dough ball using fingertips or a fork, transforming them into gentle disc shapes approximately 1/2 inch thick.
5. Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), allowing cookies to transform for 12-14 minutes until edges acquire a soft golden hue.
6. Remove from oven and permit cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, facilitating initial stabilization.
7. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach complete ambient temperature and achieve optimal texture.
8. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for enhanced visual appeal and additional sweetness.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough consistency.
• Chop dried cherries finely to distribute evenly throughout the cookie, preventing large chunky bits.
• Use high-quality white chocolate chips for richer flavor and better melting properties.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend to maintain cookie’s delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg