The holiday season is upon us, and nothing says festive quite like the aroma of freshly baked Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies wafting through your home. Imagine buttery, crumbly cookies studded with vibrant red cherries, their sweet-tart flavor bursting in every bite. no bake Christmas cookie delight These cookies are so good they might just steal the show from your holiday ham.
Every year, I whip up these delightful treats as a tradition with my family. We gather around the kitchen, flour flying, laughter echoing as we reminisce about past holidays while trying (and failing) to keep the cookie dough away from our eager taste buds. banana pudding rice krispie treats peppermint bark brownies It’s pure chaos mixed with love and a sprinkle of flour—just how I like my holidays.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers. Their sweet cherry flavor combined with buttery shortbread offers a delicious contrast that everyone will adore. The vibrant red cherries add a festive touch, making them stunning on any dessert platter. Ideal for gift-giving or holiday parties, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser! [/info_box]
I remember one Christmas when my uncle took a bite and exclaimed that he’d never tasted anything so good—until he realized he had crumbs all over his fancy sweater.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for that creamy texture; it really makes a difference in flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! Choose fine sugar for smoother mixing and an even texture.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; make sure it’s sifted for light and airy cookies.
Maraschino Cherries: Drain and chop these colorful gems; they bring sweetness and a pop of color!
Vanilla Extract: Quality matters here; opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making the cookies taste salty.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You want it creamy but not too whipped.
Add Flour and Cherries: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries—try not to get too carried away; we want more cookie than cherry!
Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Don’t worry if they look uneven; it adds character!
Bake Until Golden Edges Form: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft—trust me on this one.
Cool Before Enjoying: Let them cool on wire racks before diving in; those cherries can get hot enough to power an engine!
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for sharing but also great for keeping all to yourself—no judgment here! cinnamon roll casserole. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Caramel Apple Puff Pastry recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are more than festive treats; they offer a delightful crunch and buttery flavor. Their vibrant red color brings holiday cheer to any dessert table, making them a must-have for cookie exchanges or family gatherings. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add flour to achieve the perfect dough consistency. Chill the dough briefly for easier shaping and uniform baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or chocolate chips for a different flavor twist. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for added sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, allowing them to thaw naturally before serving.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture. Don’t skip chilling the dough; it makes shaping much simpler. Lastly, watch baking times closely to avoid over-baking these delicate cookies. [/info_box]
Creating these cookies took me back to my childhood when my grandmother used to bake during the holidays. The aroma filled our home, making it feel truly special.
FAQ
How long do Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies last?
For more inspiration, check out this Zesty Strawberry Salsa recipe.
These cookies can last about one week in an airtight container.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries may not provide the same sweetness and texture as maraschino cherries.
What can I substitute if I don’t have shortbread flour?
You can use all-purpose flour with a bit of cornstarch for similar results.
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies! Buttery and crumbly, each bite bursts with the sweet-tart flavor of maraschino cherries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as delightful gifts, these cookies add a splash of color to your dessert table and are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Let cool on wire racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
