As I unwrapped the vibrant maraschino cherries, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, reminding me of the cheerful holiday baking sessions from my childhood. These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies bring that same spirit into my kitchen, wrapping the rich, buttery goodness in a splash of festive red. They are not only incredibly easy to make but also a delightful way to impress your friends and family, whether as a treat at a holiday gathering or a thoughtful homemade gift. Imagine the smiles as these tender, crumbly cookies melt in your mouth, with each bite bursting with the sweet flavor of cherries and a hint of optional chocolate, taking your cookie tray to the next level! Are you ready to fill your home with the warm aromas of the season?
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Deliciously Festive: The combination of buttery shortbread and bright maraschino cherries makes these cookies a vibrant centerpiece for any holiday cookie tray.
Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers will shine!
Optional Chocolate Twist: For those who crave that extra indulgence, adding mini chocolate chips elevates the flavor and sweetness, ensuring everyone finds their favorite version.
Gifting Perfection: Packaged nicely, they make thoughtful homemade gifts that friends and family will truly appreciate, spreading joy and cheer.
Tip for Storage: These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container, so you can bake ahead of time and savor the seasonal delight. Try serving them with a warm cup of cocoa for a perfect pairing!
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Butter – Provides richness and contributes to the cookie’s delicate texture; using unsalted butter allows for better control over sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, tender texture in these delightful cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies, giving them that signature crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
- Maraschino Cherries – Imparts a pop of sweetness and beautiful color; ensure they are well-drained and chopped small for even distribution.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (optional) – Adds a rich chocolatey flavor that complements the sweetness of the cherries; using dark chocolate creates a more robust flavor profile.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile with a sweet and warm aroma, making these cookies even more inviting.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This important first step ensures that your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. While the oven heats up, gather your mixing bowl and baking sheets, ensuring everything is ready for your cookie-making adventure.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which should take about 3–5 minutes. This creaming process is essential as it helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies that delightful texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Next, gradually add the all-purpose flour to your creamed butter and sugar mixture, combining until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender dough for your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and optional mini chocolate chips using a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookie Dough
Scoop small portions of the dough and roll them into neat balls, about one inch in diameter. Place these dough balls onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. As you shape the cookies, visualize the colorful pops of cherries against the buttery backdrop, sparking festive joy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them—this is where the sweet aroma fills your kitchen, teasing you with the delicious flavors just moments away.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Afterward, your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies will be ready to share and enjoy, radiating warmth and festive spirit!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix all ingredients, scoop the dough into balls, and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re prepared to enjoy these delightful treats, just preheat your oven, bake the cold cookies directly from the fridge, and they will taste just as delicious! For longer storage, you can freeze the rolled dough for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This way, you can have freshly baked cookies with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
Fridge: For extended freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container. They will remain tasty for up to two weeks, though refrigeration may slightly alter their texture.
Freezer: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their delightful taste.
Expert Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Chop Cherries Evenly: Make sure to chop maraschino cherries into uniform pieces. This ensures they distribute evenly in the dough and balance each bite with sweetness.
Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix gently! Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies instead of the desired tender texture for your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Let your butter sit out before baking; this helps it cream better with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie.
Keep an Eye on Bake Time: Every oven is different; watch for the edges turning golden. Pull your cookies when they are slightly soft in the center for the perfect bite!
Store Properly: For lasting freshness, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for longer storage, perfect for preparing ahead of the festive season!
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful cookies and customize them to suit your taste!
- Nutty Twist: Replace maraschino cherries with chopped pecans or walnuts for a delicious crunch and unique flavor.
- Almond Extract: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract to infuse a sweet, nutty aroma that perfectly complements the buttery goodness.
- Rich Chocolate: Add dark chocolate chips instead of mini chips for a deeper, indulgent chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Coconut Delight: Stir in unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist, adding texture and a hint of sweetness to each bite.
- Citrus Zing: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the dough, bringing a refreshing brightness that balances the sweetness of the cherries.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some cinnamon or ground ginger into the mix for a warm, cozy spice that embodies the essence of the holidays.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously safe treat for friends and family who are gluten-sensitive.
- Cherries Jubilee: Elevate your cookie experience by soaking cherries in a splash of cherry liqueur before adding them to the dough for an adult twist.
Enhance your holiday cookie spread, and while you’re at it, why not serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of cocoa or some holiday spiced tea? The cozy pairing will surely warm everyone’s hearts during the festive season!
What to Serve with Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Serving these delightful cookies at your holiday gatherings sets the stage for warmth and joy, perfectly complementing all the festive cheer.
-
Hot Cocoa: A rich mug of hot cocoa creates a cozy pairing, making each bite of cookie feel like a warm embrace. You can even top it with marshmallows for an extra sweet touch.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth texture of vanilla ice cream balances out the buttery richness of the cookies. Imagine the contrast as you take a bite and let the flavors meld together!
-
Fruit Salad: Bright and fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies. Juicy berries or citrus fruits enhance the sensory experience, bringing a burst of flavor with each bite.
-
Mulled Wine: A warm glass of spiced mulled wine deepens the festive spirit and complements the sweet, fruity notes in the cookies perfectly. Its aromatic spices will transport you right into the holiday season.
-
Coffee or Espresso: The rich flavors of coffee or espresso easily elevate the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat. You’ll savor the magic of these pairings as they dance on your palate.
-
Cheese Platter: For something unique, a mild cheese platter featuring brie or goat cheese adds a savory twist that balances the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast in flavors.
-
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These add an elegant touch and the refreshing sweetness enhances the festive ambiance. The juxtaposition of chocolate with the cookie’s buttery flavor is simply irresistible!
-
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the flavors of the season with a steaming pumpkin spice latte that pairs beautifully with the cookies and warms you from the inside out.
Embrace these delightful combinations and let each bite and sip transport you into the heart of holiday celebrations!
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of maraschino cherries should I use?
Absolutely! Use bright red maraschino cherries that are well-drained and chopped into small pieces for even distribution in the dough. Avoid using overly sweet or syrupy cherries, as they can affect the cookie’s texture and sweetness.
How long can I store my cookies, and what’s the best method?
You can store your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerating them can extend their freshness to about two weeks, though it might slightly change their texture.
Can I freeze these cookies for later use?
Yes! To freeze your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once firm, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or briefly warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, don’t worry! Chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps firm up the butter and makes it easier to handle without compromising the texture of your cookies. If necessary, you can also add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind with this recipe?
Definitely! If anyone has allergies to nuts or gluten, you can modify this recipe by making sure to use gluten-free flour. Also, if your guests have nut allergies and you decide to add walnuts or pecans in variations, be sure to communicate this to avoid any allergic reactions. The cookies are also suitable for those who do not have any dietary restrictions, making them a festive treat for everyone!
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?
Very! You can easily omit the mini chocolate chips if you prefer a more traditional flavor. Alternatively, consider using white chocolate chips for a different taste contrast or even dried fruits, like cranberries, for an added festive touch!
Delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and combine until just incorporated, then gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and optional mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop small portions of dough and roll into 1-inch balls, placing them on ungreased baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Leave a Reply