As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen becomes a canvas for festive creations, and nothing captures the spirit quite like the vibrant colors of Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. These delightful morsels, with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and bursts of sweet cherries, are the perfect blend of traditional shortbread charm and holiday flair. Not only are they quick to whip up, making them a last-minute treat for gatherings, but their bright, cheerful appearance also makes them a fantastic gift option. Imagine presenting a jar of these cookies to friends and family—what a sweet surprise! Ready to elevate your holiday baking with these scrumptious cookies? Let’s dive in!
Why are these cookies a holiday must?
Festive Vibrance: These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies burst with color and flavor, making them a cheerful addition to your holiday festivities.
Effortlessly Simple: With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, these cookies are perfect for amateur bakers and kitchen pros alike.
Crowd Favorite: Their delightful taste and eye-catching appearance guarantee they’ll be a hit at any gathering, from cookie exchanges to cozy family nights.
Versatile Variations: Feeling adventurous? Try adding mini chocolate chips or swapping in dried cranberries for a fresh twist! You can also pair these treats with a warm mug of cocoa or explore other festive options like Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk.
Gift-Ready: Pack them in a decorative jar as a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will adore! Their unique combination will leave a lasting impression this holiday season.
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Butter – Unsalted is best for controlling flavor and achieving that traditional shortbread richness.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar contributes the ideal sweetness and texture for a tender cookie crumb.
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure; be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup to avoid packing too much.
- Maraschino cherries – These sweet gems add festive flair and flavor; chop them finely for even distribution in your cookies.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional) – Incorporate semi-sweet or dark for a delightful chocolatey twist that blends beautifully with the cherries.
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are sure to spread joy this holiday season!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a consistent baking temperature. While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper; this will prevent your cookies from sticking and aid in easy cleanup later. Getting your prep done ahead of time sets you up for success in baking your delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes and is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture characteristic of shortbread cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour
Next, gradually add all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the flour is just incorporated; be mindful not to overmix to maintain the tender crumb. You’ll notice the dough forming—this is a good sign! Once combined, your cookie dough is ready for the exciting additions of festive flavors.
Step 4: Add Cherries and Optional Chips
Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips if you’re using them. Use a spatula to ensure even distribution throughout the dough, allowing the sweet cherries to shine in each cookie. The vibrant colors will enhance your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies and add a delightful sweetness.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
With a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. You’ll want each cookie to have enough room to spread a little while baking, ensuring they cook evenly. Aim for uniform sizes for a beautiful presentation!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the trays in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for edges that are lightly golden while the centers remain slightly soft. This step is vital to achieving the perfect texture in your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, so avoid overbaking!
Step 7: Cool on Baking Sheet
Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies sit for about 5 minutes. This cooling step allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them. Use a spatula to carefully move the cookies to a wire rack; this way, they can cool completely without getting soggy.
What to Serve with Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Imagine the joy of creating a delightful holiday feast with these charming cookies as your centerpiece!
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The velvety cocoa pairs beautifully with the buttery sweetness, creating a cozy indulgence perfect for chilly nights.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing burst of seasonal fruits, like oranges and pomegranates, balances out the rich sweetness of the cookies with a zesty twist.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Nestle a warm cookie beside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
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Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai offer warmth and a hint of sweetness that complements the fruity maraschino cherries.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A touch of warm caramel over your cookies adds an inviting richness and extra decadence, elevating this festive treat even further.
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Chocolate Mint Mocktail: A vibrant blend of mint and chocolate flavors makes for a refreshing drink to wash down the cookies, emphasizing their sweetness and holiday spirit.
Expert Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
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Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. Cold butter won’t incorporate well, leading to dense cookies.
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Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly. This prevents packing, which can make your cookies too dry.
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Don’t Overmix: When adding flour to the butter-sugar mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender texture we want in Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies.
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Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Bake until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Overbaking will result in crunchy cookies instead of the desired crumbly bite.
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Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without becoming soggy.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy holiday bakers looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, scoop out the chilled dough and place it directly on the baking sheets. If you want to go a step further, shape the cookies and freeze them up to 1 month in advance. Just pop them straight into the oven from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. Following these steps ensures your cookies remain just as delicious, saving you precious time during the festive hustle!
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Variations
Feel the joy of tweaking these delightful cookies to make them even more special with some easy and fun variations!
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Dried Cranberries: Swap maraschino cherries for dried cranberries for a tart twist that still captures the holiday spirit. The chewy texture complements the buttery dough beautifully.
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Nutty Delight: Incorporate ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and rich flavor. The nuts marry perfectly with the sweet cherries, giving each bite an irresistible depth.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to enjoy these cookies without compromising on taste or texture.
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Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add mini chocolate chips along with the cherries for a delightful chocolate-cherry combo. The melted chips will create a gooey, delicious pocket of flavor that makes these cookies utterly irresistible.
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Citrus Zest: Brighten the dough with a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing citrus touch that enhances the sweetness of the cherries. It’s like a burst of sunshine in every bite!
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Spiced up: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the flour for a warm, holiday spiciness. These spices will transform your cookies into festive treats that fill the room with delicious aromas.
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Iced Variation: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar icing over the cooled cookies for a sweet finish. Combine powdered sugar with a splash of milk or lemon juice for the perfect glaze.
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Festive Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top for a joyful, eye-catching presentation. They’ll make your cookies look as cheerful as they taste!
Feel inspired? Take these variations as a starting point to make your own signature batch of holiday magic! You might even explore pairing them with warm cocoa or enjoy them alongside a cozy slice of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk in this festive season!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their delightful crumbly texture and sweetness.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep cookies in the fridge for about 2 weeks. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to avoid absorbing odors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy freshly baked warmth, simply reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, bringing back their dreamy texture.
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Choose maraschino cherries that are vibrant red and free of dark spots. The cherries should be firm and shiny, which indicates freshness. Avoid any jars with a lot of syrup or those that appear mushy, as they can negatively affect the texture and flavor of your cookies.
How long can I store my cookies, and what’s the best way?
You can keep your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’d like to keep them even longer, I recommend refrigerating them for about 2 weeks, ensuring they’re wrapped tightly to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors.
Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Yes! To freeze your cookies, layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator, and if you prefer a warm treat, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your cookie dough isn’t holding together well, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water to help bind it. Mix gently until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Also, ensure your butter was at the right temperature during preparation, as not using soft enough butter can lead to a crumbly texture.
Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
While our festive cookies are a treat for humans, they aren’t safe for pets, particularly due to the sugar and possible chocolate chips. For dietary concerns, always check for allergies related to specific ingredients, especially if serving to guests. You can also consider making a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
What can I do if I want to make these cookies healthier?
There are a few ways to lighten them up a bit! You can replace some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for added nutrition, or swap out granulated sugar for a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or stevia. Additionally, consider reducing the amount of maraschino cherries used, or substituting them for dried cranberries to cut down on sugar content while still keeping that festive flavor.
Delicious Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture and mix on low speed until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips if using.
- Portion out the dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden, and the centers are slightly soft.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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