Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies combine the buttery richness of classic shortbread with festive bursts of sweet maraschino cherries and optional mini chocolate chips. Perfectly tender and lightly sweetened, these cookies are an elegant holiday treat dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For Finishing
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step creates the rich, buttery base required for light and tender shortbread.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a subtle, sweet aroma that complements the cherries.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix to maintain the delicate texture of the shortbread.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and, if using, the mini chocolate chips gently to evenly distribute them throughout the dough without breaking the cherries.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to shape and improving the cookie texture.
- Preheat and Shape: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass to achieve the classic shortbread shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking, ensuring the cookies remain tender.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. While still warm, dust the tops generously with powdered sugar for a festive and sweet finish.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to help maintain the shape of the cookies.
- Mini chocolate chips are optional but add a nice contrast to the sweet cherries.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For an extra festive look, use colored sprinkles alongside the powdered sugar dusting.
Keywords: Christmas cookies, shortbread, maraschino cherry cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies
