Introduction to Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with the aroma of freshly baked treats. One of my absolute favorites to whip up is Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. These delightful cookies are not only a festive addition to any holiday spread, but they also bring a touch of nostalgia with their sweet and tangy cherry flavor. Each bite melts in your mouth, making them a excellent treat to share with family and friends.

What I love most about these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies is their simplicity. The buttery, crumbly texture pairs beautifully with the vibrant red cherries, creating a stunning visual and a taste that dances on your palate. They are excellent for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just for enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire.

As I gather my ingredients, I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement. The combination of rich butter, sugar, and those luscious maraschino cherries is enough to get anyone in the holiday spirit. What’s more, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with my loved ones.

If you’re looking for a way to brighten up your holiday baking, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Trust me, they will quickly become a cherished recipe in your holiday repertoire. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and get started!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

As a passionate home cook, I can confidently say that Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies will bring joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations. These delightful cookies are not only simple to make, but they also deliver a burst of flavor that will make everyone smile. The buttery richness of the shortbread pairs perfectly with the sweet, tangy maraschino cherries, creating a balance that is truly irresistible.

One of the best aspects of making Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies is how quickly they come together. In just a matter of minutes, you can be on your way to enjoying a tray of these festive treats. This makes it an excellent choice for busy women like us who want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the vibrant red cherries add a holiday touch that instantly elevates the appearance of any dessert platter.

Each bite of these cookies melts in your mouth, leaving behind a delightful sweetness that lingers on the palate. The maraschino cherries not only add flavor but also a beautiful pop of color, making them a nice addition to any festive gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies have a way of spreading cheer, making them the excellent treat for the season.

In summary, Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful blend of simplicity, flavor, and holiday spirit. Their ease of preparation and enchanting taste make them a must-have for your Christmas baking lineup. Trust me, once you try them, they will become a cherished tradition in your holiday repertoire!

Ingredients for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

When it comes to baking Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, the right ingredients can make all the difference. I’ve crafted this recipe over the years, and each component is essential to achieving that excellent balance of flavor and texture. Let me walk you through what you’ll need to create these delightful holiday treats.

Unsalted Butter: This is the heart of your shortbread. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. The creaminess of the butter creates a rich flavor and tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Adding just the right amount of sweetness, sugar also aids in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love in shortbread cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your primary dry ingredient, providing structure to your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. It’s important to sift it to avoid any lumps.
Maraschino Cherries: The star of the show! Chopped finely, these bright red cherries add a pop of color and a sweet-tart flavor that beautifully contrasts with the rich butteriness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this fragrant extract enhances the overall flavor, making each bite even more irresistible.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and elevates the flavors, ensuring your cookies aren’t overly sugary.
Pecans or Walnuts (optional): If you want to add an extra crunch and depth of flavor, finely chopped nuts can be folded into the dough. They bring a lovely texture that complements the soft cookies.
Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional): A light dusting of this sweet powder on top of the cooled cookies adds a festive touch and a hint of extra sweetness.

Now that you know what goes into these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, you’ll appreciate the harmony of flavors that come together in each bite. As you gather your ingredients, just imagine the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen, making the holiday season feel even more special.

How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Prep Your Ingredients
Before diving into making these delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and, of course, those vibrant maraschino cherries. Make sure to drain and chop the cherries finely so they blend seamlessly into your dough.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The buttery aroma fills the air, making it hard to resist a taste. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the cookies.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Slowly add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. I like to do this gradually to avoid a flour explosion in my kitchen. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overwork the dough. The texture should be crumbly yet hold together when pressed.
Add the Cherries
Now comes the fun part: fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Their bright red color adds a festive touch to your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, and their sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie. Gently mix until the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape the cookies. You can either roll them into balls and flatten them slightly or use cookie cutters for fun holiday shapes. I often opt for classic rounds, but the choice is yours! Place your cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them enough space to spread.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. The aroma of these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies wafting through your home will be absolutely irresistible. Once baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy and Share
Finally, once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to enjoy them! These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies make the excellent treat for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift for friends and family. Each bite is a delightful combination of buttery goodness and sweet cherry flavor, making them a festive favorite!

Tips for Success

As someone who has made Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies countless times, I’ve gathered some invaluable tips that have truly enhanced my baking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this festive treat for the first time, these pointers will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Chill the dough: After mixing, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step not only firms up the dough for easier handling but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Use high-quality maraschino cherries: The flavor of your cookies will depend significantly on the cherries you choose. Opt for natural, high-quality cherries for a more robust taste and vibrant color.
Don’t overmix the dough: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which is not what we want in our delicate shortbread.
Preheat your oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that delightful golden edge that makes Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies so irresistible.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of almond extract or vanilla to the dough for an extra layer of flavor. These subtle additions can elevate your cookies to new heights!
Let them cool completely: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and helps maintain their shape.

By following these tips, you’ll create Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies that are not only tasty but also a feast for the eyes. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!

Equipment Needed

As I embark on the delightful journey of making my Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, I find that having the right equipment makes all the difference. Each tool I use plays a pivotal role in achieving that excellent buttery texture and vibrant flavor. Below, I’ve listed the essential equipment you’ll need, along with some practical alternatives.

Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients. If you don’t have one, a deep saucepan will do the trick.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For effortless mixing, a hand mixer or stand mixer is ideal. Alternatively, you can use a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease!
Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet is necessary for baking the cookies. In a pinch, a shallow roasting pan can serve the same purpose.
Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent sticking. If you’re out, a light coating of cooking spray will suffice.
Cookie Cutter: To achieve festive shapes, a cookie cutter is a must. You can also use a glass or even a knife for cutting if you prefer a more rustic look.
Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies to cool evenly. If you don’t have one, a plate will work, though the cookies may not cool as quickly.

Having these tools at your disposal will set the stage for an enjoyable baking experience. Each piece of equipment contributes to crafting those irresistible Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, ensuring they come out perfectly every time. As you gather your tools, get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen!

Variations

As someone who has baked Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies multiple times, I love experimenting with variations to keep things exciting. Each tweak brings a new flavor profile that can delight friends and family, making them feel special each holiday season. Here are some of my favorite variations that you can try:

Chocolate-Dipped Cookies: For a touch of decadence, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate. This adds a rich layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the maraschino cherries beautifully.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the dough. The added texture and warmth of the nuts pair perfectly with the buttery shortbread and fruity cherries.
Almond Extract: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract. This subtle change enhances the overall flavor and gives your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies a delightful twist.
Colorful Sprinkles: Add festive holiday sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking. Not only do they add a cheerful touch, but they also make these cookies even more appealing for festive gatherings.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. This allows everyone to enjoy the deliciousness of Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies without dietary restrictions holding them back.
Citrus Zest: Mix in some grated lemon or orange zest into the dough. The citrus notes brighten the cookies, balancing the sweetness of the cherries for a refreshing finish.
Layered Flavors: Create a maraschino cherry filling by mashing some cherries and mixing them with a bit of cream cheese. Pipe this mixture between two cookies for a delightful surprise.

With each of these variations, you can enjoy a new twist on the classic Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. So, feel free to mix and match according to your preferences and let your creativity shine this holiday season!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Delight!

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Delightfully buttery and festive, these Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a perfect treat for your holiday gatherings, offering a sweet burst of cherry flavor in every bite.

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Granulated sugar for sprinkling

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, then sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Feel free to substitute different nuts or omit them for a nut-free version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 50 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg