Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Introduction

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that combines buttery goodness with a pop of festive color. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are studded with vibrant maraschino cherries, giving each bite a delightful burst of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting homemade treats, or just indulging in a cozy moment by the fire, these cookies are a must-have for the season.

I love making these cookies every Christmas because they bring both cheer and flavor to the table. The soft, buttery texture of shortbread paired with the sweet maraschino cherries makes them utterly irresistible. Plus, the bright red cherries add a festive touch that’s perfect for holiday cookie platters. I’ve even wrapped a few batches in holiday tins and handed them out as gifts—they’re always a hit!

One of the best things about these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies is how simple and quick they are to prepare. The dough comes together easily, and after a short chill in the fridge, it’s ready to be sliced and baked. As they bake, the aroma of buttery cookies fills your kitchen, and the anticipation builds. The result? A beautifully buttery, slightly crumbly cookie with the perfect pop of sweet cherry flavor. Every time I make them, they seem to disappear faster than I can bake them—truly a holiday favorite!

Perfect for:

• Holiday cookie exchanges
• Christmas dessert tables
• Gifting in festive tins
• Baking with kids
• Enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Here’s why Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies deserve a spot in your holiday baking lineup:

• Festive and Cheerful Appearance: The bright red cherries add a pop of color, making these cookies visually appealing for the holidays.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The buttery shortbread base creates a tender, crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with the juicy cherries.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
• Customizable: You can add white chocolate, sprinkles, or even chopped nuts for a personalized touch.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies stay fresh for days and look beautiful packaged in holiday tins or boxes.
• Kid-Friendly Recipe: Little helpers can easily join in the fun of rolling the dough and pressing the cherries.
• Great Make-Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed, saving you stress during the busy holiday season.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a standalone dessert or paired with warm beverages like cocoa or spiced tea.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: With pantry staples like butter, flour, and sugar, this recipe is economical without compromising on flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The buttery richness of the shortbread complements the sweet-tart cherries, making these cookies universally loved.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 12–15 minutes per batch
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per cookie: ~120–140 calories

Ingredients

Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Add-Ins:

• ½ cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice

Optional Garnish:

• ¼ cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
• Holiday sprinkles

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: The foundation of a tender, flavorful shortbread. Use unsalted for better control over the salt content.
• Powdered Sugar: Ensures a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the cookies.
• Maraschino Cherries: Provide bursts of sweetness and a festive red hue.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract for a touch of flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Incorporate Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and cherry juice. The dough should come together but remain slightly crumbly.

Shape and Chill:

5. Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a sheet of parchment paper. Roll it into a log shape, about 2 inches in diameter, or shape it into a flat disc for rolling out later.
6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Bake the Cookies:

7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Slice or Shape: If you formed a log, slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds. If using a disc, roll the dough out and use cookie cutters for festive shapes.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate and Serve:

11. Add Garnish (Optional): Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add holiday sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

How to Serve Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways:

1. On a Holiday Platter: Arrange with other festive cookies for a colorful display.
2. With Hot Beverages: Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea for a comforting treat.
3. As Party Favors: Package in decorative holiday bags for guests to take home.
4. In Gift Tins: Stack in festive tins lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.
5. With Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla or cherry ice cream for a delightful dessert.
6. At Cookie Swaps: Share at holiday cookie exchanges to showcase your baking skills.
7. As Stocking Stuffers: Wrap individually for a sweet surprise in stockings.
8. During Movie Nights: Enjoy with family during a Christmas movie marathon.
9. On Dessert Tables: Add to a dessert buffet at holiday gatherings.
10. With a Touch of Nostalgia: Serve with warm milk for a comforting treat reminiscent of childhood.

Additional Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Use High-Quality Butter: The flavor of shortbread relies heavily on butter, so choose a good-quality unsalted variety.
• Dry the Cherries: Pat the maraschino cherries dry with paper towels before chopping to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
• Chill for Perfect Slices: Chilling the dough ensures clean slices and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Shortbread cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but not browned. Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking.
• Customize Shapes: Use cookie cutters in holiday shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes for a festive touch.
• Add Zest: For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough.
• Make It Nutty: Fold in finely chopped pecans or almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Double the Batch: These cookies freeze well, so consider making a double batch to enjoy throughout the season.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Melted white or dark chocolate drizzles add a professional-looking finish.

Recipe Variations for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

1. Chocolate Cherry Shortbread: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a cherry-chocolate combination.
2. Nutty Cherry Shortbread: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans for a nutty twist.
3. Glazed Cherry Cookies: Top each cookie with a thin layer of cherry glaze for extra sweetness.
4. Cherry Almond Shortbread: Substitute almond extract for vanilla for a complementary almond-cherry flavor.
5. Dipped in Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an elegant presentation.
6. Coconut Cherry Cookies: Fold shredded coconut into the dough for tropical flair.
7. Cranberry Cherry Cookies: Add dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet cherries.
8. Lemon Cherry Shortbread: Add lemon zest and juice for a citrusy twist.
9. Spiced Cherry Cookies: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor.
10. Vegan Cherry Cookies: Use vegan butter and substitute a plant-based milk alternative for a dairy-free version.

Freezing and Storage for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Freezing Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
• Storing: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

1. Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar effortlessly.
2. Mixing Bowls: For combining the dough and ingredients.
3. Parchment Paper: For rolling and baking the cookies.
4. Rolling Pin: If using cookie cutters for shapes.
5. Cookie Cutters: Festive shapes add charm to the cookies.
6. Sharp Knife: For slicing the dough log.
7. Baking Sheets: Non-stick or lined with parchment paper.
8. Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies evenly.
9. Pastry Brush: To lightly brush off excess flour after rolling.
10. 10. Drizzling Spoon: For adding melted chocolate or glaze.

FAQ Section for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
   Fresh cherries have a different texture and moisture level, so they’re not recommended for this recipe.
2. Can I freeze the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, the dough freezes beautifully and can be kept for up to 3 months.
3. What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading?
   Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking and avoid overworking it.
4. How do I make the cookies extra festive?
   Add holiday-themed sprinkles or drizzle with colorful icing for a cheerful touch.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
6. What’s the secret to tender shortbread?
   Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain the delicate, crumbly texture.
7. How do I store the cookies for gifting?
   Place them in a decorative tin with layers of parchment paper to keep them fresh and prevent sticking.
8. Can I use salted butter instead?
   You can, but reduce the added salt to avoid an overly salty flavor.
9. What can I use instead of white chocolate for drizzling?
   Try dark or milk chocolate, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze.
10. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
    Yes, adding green or red food coloring can make the cookies even more festive.

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Conclusion

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that will make your holiday season even sweeter. With their buttery shortbread base and the vibrant pop of maraschino cherries, these cookies are both tasty and visually appealing, making them perfect for gift-giving, parties, or simply enjoying with family.

Their simple preparation and kid-friendly nature make them an ideal choice for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re making a batch to share with loved ones or adding a sweet touch to your holiday cookie jar, these cookies will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

So grab your ingredients, get ready to bake, and let the spirit of the season fill your home with the warmth and joy of freshly baked shortbread cookies. Don’t forget to share your creations by tagging me on Instagram—I’d love to see how your cookies turn out! Happy baking!