Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a festive twist on a classic treat. With buttery dough, sweet maraschino cherries, and chocolate chips, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drained well on paper towels or use candied maraschino cherries)
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Beat the butter with a mixer together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt, sift these into the butter mixture, then knead gently until a dough forms.
- Step 3: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Step 4: Place the dough on a sheet of cling film, shape it into a log by pressing it with your hands, then wrap and refrigerate for one hour.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Slice the chilled dough log into round cookies and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Step 6: Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes or until edges just start to turn golden.
- Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Drain the maraschino cherries well to avoid adding extra moisture to the dough, which can affect texture.
- For a festive look, try sprinkling a little sugar on top of the cookies before baking for extra sparkle.
- Substitute dark or white chocolate chips to change up the flavor profile.
- If you prefer a more pronounced cherry taste, add a teaspoon of cherry extract to the dough.
Storage
Store these shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well—place cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply bring to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Frozen cherries are much juicier than maraschino cherries, which may add excess moisture and alter the dough’s texture. It’s best to use well-drained maraschino or candied cherries for this recipe.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to slice and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
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Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, featuring a buttery, tender base studded with vibrant maraschino cherries and decadent chocolate chips. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies blend classic shortbread richness with a joyful pop of color and flavor, baked to a delicate golden finish.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and well-drained
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: Beat the unsalted butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth and creamy base for the dough.
- Make the Dough: Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture. Knead the combined ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate: Incorporate the chopped and well-drained maraschino cherries along with the chocolate chips into the dough, mixing thoroughly to distribute the additions evenly.
- Chill the Dough: Transfer the dough onto cling film, shaping it into a log by pressing with your hands. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for one hour to firm up, which helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the dough from the fridge, slice it into round cookie shapes, and arrange them on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving plate. This ensures they set properly and hold their shape.
Notes
- Drain the maraschino cherries well by placing them on paper towels to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- For a festive twist, substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate or festive colored chips.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- You can freeze the dough log wrapped in cling film for up to 1 month; slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas cookies, maraschino cherry cookies, shortbread cookies, holiday baking, chocolate chip cookies, festive cookies
