These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful combination of buttery shortbread and sweet maraschino cherries, with a touch of chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Their festive red hue makes them an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant appearance, these cookies are perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of holiday tea. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home.
Full Recipe:
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 and well-drained
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the flour and salt, then set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until it forms large clumps.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Shape the dough into a 2-inch thick log. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4 or 1/3 inch slices. If they crumble, press them back together.
- Place the cookies on the prepared sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal per cookie | Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
The Significance of Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies have been a beloved part of holiday baking for centuries. Their buttery richness and simple ingredients make them a comforting and universally loved treat. For many, shortbread is synonymous with Christmas. It’s the kind of cookie that evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth, whether served alongside a cup of hot cocoa or as a gift wrapped in festive paper.
When you add maraschino cherries to this classic dough, you elevate it to a whole new level. The cherries provide a bright contrast to the buttery base, adding a sweet and tangy note that makes each bite more exciting. Their vivid red color also gives these cookies a visually striking appearance, making them perfect for holiday parties and cookie exchanges. Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a symbol of celebration blending tradition with a modern twist.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies offer more than just great flavor they’re a way to express the joy of the season. Holiday baking is about more than just making food; it’s about creating memories and traditions. The time spent in the kitchen, the scent of cookies wafting through the air, and the excitement of sharing them with loved ones all add to the magic of the holidays.
These cookies are an ideal addition to any Christmas cookie platter. Their delicate texture pairs wonderfully with other holiday favorites, like gingerbread, sugar cookies, and snickerdoodles. But they also shine on their own, adding a touch of color and elegance to your holiday spread.
One of the best things about these cookies is their versatility. They can be enjoyed as a simple treat with coffee or tea, or they can be packaged as gifts for family, friends, and coworkers. The colorful maraschino cherries make them a festive choice for cookie exchanges, as they’re sure to stand out among the typical holiday bakes.
Perfecting Your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few key tips to ensure your Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies turn out perfectly every time.
1. Use Room Temperature Butter: One of the keys to getting a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture is using butter that’s at room temperature. Cold butter can make the dough too firm and difficult to work with, so make sure to let it soften before starting.
2. Drain and Dry the Maraschino Cherries: Maraschino cherries are packed in syrup, which can add excess moisture to your dough if not properly drained. To prevent the cookies from becoming too soggy, make sure to drain the cherries thoroughly. For extra precaution, you can also blot them dry with a paper towel before chopping them.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Shortbread dough should be mixed just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense cookies that lose their signature lightness and crumbly texture. Be gentle when combining the dough, and remember, it’s okay if it’s a bit crumbly before you refrigerate it.
4. Chill the Dough: As with most shortbread cookies, chilling the dough is an essential step. It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking. Refrigerating the dough also allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
5. Baking Time: Because shortbread cookies are delicate, be sure not to overbake them. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but remain pale in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s important to not let them brown too much in the oven.
Creative Variations on Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
While the traditional Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are absolutely delicious, there are many ways to get creative with the recipe. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Add a Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re a fan of the classic cherry-chocolate combination, drizzle melted chocolate over your cooled cookies. Dark or milk chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tart cherries, adding an extra layer of richness.
2. Experiment with Flavors: While vanilla extract is a common flavoring in shortbread, you could mix things up by adding almond extract, lemon zest, or even a touch of cinnamon. These flavors complement the cherries and give the cookies a unique twist.
3. Make it Vegan: For a vegan-friendly version, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and the powdered sugar with a vegan powdered sugar brand. These substitutions allow everyone to enjoy these cookies without missing out on the holiday fun.
4. Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, try adding finely chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dough. They pair perfectly with the softness of the shortbread and the chewy texture of the cherries.
Serving and Storing Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Once your cookies are baked and cooled, it’s time to enjoy them! These cookies are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings. They can be enjoyed alongside other desserts like pies, cakes, and puddings, or served on their own with a hot drink.
If you’re planning to give them as gifts, arrange them neatly in a tin or box, and tie with a festive ribbon for a beautiful presentation. They also freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time and store them for up to three months in an airtight container.
To maintain their freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, freezing them is an excellent option. Just make sure to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Conclusion:
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. With their buttery texture, sweet maraschino cherries, and festive appeal, these cookies capture the true spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re baking them for your family, gifting them to friends, or adding them to your holiday cookie exchange, they are sure to bring joy to everyone who tastes them.
By following a few simple tips and exploring creative variations, you can make these cookies your own. And with their easy preparation and beautiful presentation, they’re sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. So, this Christmas season, why not bake a batch of these charming Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies? Not only will you enjoy the process of baking, but you’ll also create delicious memories that will last a lifetime.
