As the holiday season approaches, my home transforms into a cozy haven filled with the scents of baking and cheer. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up is these delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. The moment you crack open the container, you’re greeted by a burst of vibrant color from the cherries, beckoning friends and family to indulge. Their rich, buttery flavor dances in harmony with the sweet, fruity notes of maraschino cherries, creating an irresistible combination that’s perfect for cookie trays or holiday gifting.
What I love most about these cookies is their delicate crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, along with the optional touch of mini chocolate chips that adds an extra layer of richness. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just in need of a sweet pick-me-up during the busy holiday rush, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Join me in bringing a touch of festive joy to your celebrations with this simple yet delightful recipe that captures the essence of the season!
Why are Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies irresistible?
Rich, Buttery Flavor: These cookies combine creamy butter with sweet maraschino cherries for an unforgettable taste.
Festive Appeal: Their vibrant red cherries make them a visually stunning addition to any holiday table.
Delicate Texture: Enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth experience that shortbread lovers will adore.
Quick and Easy: With simple steps and basic ingredients, you’ll have fresh cookies in no time.
Perfect for Sharing: These delightful treats are ideal for gifting or enjoying alongside hot cocoa with friends. Bring the holiday spirit alive with these scrumptious cookies!
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
• Butter – Adds rich flavor and creamy texture; unsalted is best for controlling saltiness.
• Sugar – Provides sweetness and aids in achieving a tender crumb.
• Flour – Offers structure to the cookies; all-purpose flour is recommended for best results.
• Maraschino Cherries – Brings a fruity sweetness and vibrant color; be sure to use drained and chopped cherries.
• Mini Chocolate Chips (optional) – Enhances the flavor with extra richness; can be omitted for a lighter cookie.
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are sure to become a beloved holiday tradition!
How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for those buttery cookies.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Mix in Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for delightful bursts of flavor.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated to maintain a tender texture in your cookies.
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Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
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Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate before serving for a festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
- Drain Thoroughly: Ensure that maraschino cherries are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the dough, which can lead to soggy cookies.
- Watch the Bake: Keep a close eye on baking time; aim for cookies that are pale with lightly golden edges to achieve the perfect texture.
- Gentle Mixing: When incorporating flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies; your goal is a light, crumbly bite.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: If using mini chocolate chips, fold them gently into the dough to prevent breaking apart, enhancing the flavor of your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies.
- Cool Time Matters: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack; this helps them set and prevents crumbling.
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and add your personal touch to these festive treats!
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Cranberry Twist: Replace maraschino cherries with dried cranberries for a tart and chewy surprise in each bite.
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Nutty Addition: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts to give your cookies a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor.
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Almond Extract: Enhance the flavor by adding just a splash of almond extract; it complements the buttery goodness beautifully.
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Dark Chocolate Boost: Swap out mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks for a rich and decadent contrast to the sweet cherries.
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Spiced Flavor: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to infuse warm, holiday spice into every cookie.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to create a delicious treat for those with dietary restrictions; just make sure to check the blend’s properties.
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Fruity Medley: Combine chopped dried apricots or peaches with the maraschino cherries for an exciting mix of fruity flavors.
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Mint Chocolate: Add a few crushed peppermint candies to the dough for a refreshing minty twist during the holiday season.
With these variations, your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies will be an ever-evolving family favorite!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and shaping the dough into balls. Simply refrigerate the formed dough on a baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap, to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the oven straight from the fridge; there’s no need to thaw! For longer storage, the cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, ensuring you have freshly baked cookies with minimal effort right when you need them.
What to Serve with Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?
Indulging in these festive cookies invites you to elevate your holiday spread with delightful pairings.
- Warm Cocoa: A steaming cup of rich hot chocolate enhances the cookie’s buttery flavor, creating a cozy treat for winter evenings.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the cookies’ richness, adding a refreshing twist to every bite.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts against the warm cookies, making for a delightful dessert experience that’s simply irresistible.
- Spiced Tea: A cup of chai or spiced tea brings warmth and comforting notes that complement the sweetness of the maraschino cherries.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a mini cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The saltiness of the cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A bright fruit salad with citrus and berries refreshes the palate and adds a light, zesty contrast to the cookie’s buttery richness.
- Holiday Punch: A festive holiday punch, be it spiked or not, adds a splash of color and merriment to your gathering, pairing delightfully with the cookies.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: This indulgent treat pairs perfectly for those who crave additional chocolate, mirroring the optional mini chocolate chips in the cookies.
With these pairings, your holiday dessert table will be a celebration of flavors and textures that everyone will cherish!
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, keeping them fresh and sweet.
- Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, place cookies in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months; let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Reheating: If you want to serve them warm again, heat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes for a lovely, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of maraschino cherries should I use?
Absolutely! Use high-quality maraschino cherries that are well-drained and chopped for the best flavor. Look for cherries that are bright red and firm to the touch, as this ensures they’ll add sweet bursts of flavor without excess moisture.
How should I store Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like them to last a bit longer, refrigeration is also an option for up to 2 weeks; just make sure they’re in a sealed container to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze these cookies for later?
Yes! To freeze your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, start by wrapping each cookie tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back their delightful warmth.
What should I do if my cookies turn out too soft?
If your cookies come out too soft, it may be due to excess moisture from the maraschino cherries. Next time, ensure they are thoroughly drained before mixing. Also, try refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes prior to scooping and baking, as this helps solidify the butter and firms up the cookies during baking.
Are there any dietary considerations for the ingredients?
Absolutely! If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, feel free to swap out the ingredients. For a nut-free version, omit any nuts. Additionally, check for allergies with maraschino cherries and sugar; some brands of cherries may have sulfites or artificial colors. You could use dried cranberries as a wonderful alternative that’s less likely to cause allergies.
Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
Very! If you’re looking to give these cookies a different twist, consider substituting maraschino cherries with dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture. You can also add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the baking time, so keep an eye on them!
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for a Festive Touch
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.