Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect holiday treat. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive burst of color from maraschino cherries, these cookies are not only a delight to eat but also a beautiful addition to any holiday spread. The rich buttery flavor combined with the subtle almond extract creates a classic shortbread taste, while the cherries add a sweet, slightly tangy note. These cookies are easy to make and come together in no time, making them ideal for holiday baking when you’re looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes these cookies even better is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can decorate them with a simple dusting of granulated sugar for a festive touch or dip them in chocolate for an extra indulgent twist. Whether you bake them as a gift for loved ones or serve them at your holiday gatherings, these Cherry Shortbread Cookies are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cherry Shortbread Cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat—rich, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness. They have a classic shortbread texture that melts in your mouth, while the chopped maraschino cherries provide a festive touch both in flavor and color. The almond extract adds a delicate, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cherries and the richness of the butter.

The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. There’s no need for complex steps or fancy equipment—just a few basic ingredients that come together effortlessly. The result is a batch of beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that you’ll be proud to share with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, filling a cookie jar, or giving them as a gift, these cookies will undoubtedly bring joy to your celebrations.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Almond extract
• All-purpose flour
• Maraschino cherries
• Granulated sugar (for rolling)

Variations

While this Cherry Shortbread Cookies recipe is already delicious as it is, you can try several variations to make them your own:

1. Chocolate-Dipped: After baking, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and let it set. This adds a rich layer of chocolatey goodness.
2. Add Nuts: For an added crunch, fold in finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the dough.
3. Holiday Sprinkles: Instead of rolling in granulated sugar, you can use festive sprinkles for a fun, colorful twist.
4. Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
5. Shortbread Bars: If you prefer bars to individual cookies, press the dough into a baking pan, bake, and cut into squares after cooling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 2: Add flavorings

Add the almond extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined. The almond extract gives the shortbread a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the cherries.

Step 3: Incorporate the flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure the flour is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the cherries

Once the dough is formed, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Be careful not to overmix, as this could cause the cherries to break down too much. The cherries should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the cookies

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hands.

Step 6: Bake the cookies

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as shortbread cookies can become too crispy if baked for too long.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter will not cream properly with the sugar, affecting the texture of the dough.
2. Chill the dough: If the dough becomes too soft while working with it, chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
3. Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until the dough comes together.
4. Chop the cherries evenly: Chopping the cherries into uniform pieces helps ensure even distribution throughout the dough and prevents soggy spots.
5. Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake, as they can go from perfectly golden to overbaked very quickly.

How to Serve

Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for any holiday occasion. Serve them as a standalone treat, or include them as part of a cookie platter for Christmas parties and gatherings. These cookies also make for wonderful gifts, especially when packaged in a decorative tin or cellophane bags with a festive ribbon.

For an extra special touch, pair them with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. Their buttery, crumbly texture makes them the perfect complement to a warm beverage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their delicious flavor. If you live in a particularly hot or humid climate, consider refrigerating the cookies to keep them firm.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! To freeze, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, simply place them on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different extract instead of almond extract?

Yes, you can use vanilla extract or even a dash of cherry extract for a different flavor profile.

2. What kind of cherries should I use?

Maraschino cherries are the most common type used in these cookies because they hold their color and texture well when baked.

3. Can I make these cookies without the cherries?

Yes, you can skip the cherries and make plain shortbread cookies. They will still be delicious, just without the pop of color.

4. How can I make the cookies look more festive?

You can roll the cookies in colorful holiday sprinkles or drizzle them with melted white or dark chocolate after baking.

5. Can I use salted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt in the dough. If you only have salted butter, omit any added salt from the recipe.

6. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container.

7. Can I use a cookie scoop to form the dough balls?

Yes, using a cookie scoop is a great way to ensure all the cookies are the same size.

8. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

9. Can I add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes, you can add small amounts of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.

10. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough by forming the dough balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 1-2 hours and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a classic holiday treat that brings together rich, buttery flavor with the festive touch of maraschino cherries. These simple yet delicious cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or enjoying with a warm beverage. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and charming appearance, they’re sure to become a favorite during the holiday season. Whether you bake them for yourself or share them with loved ones, these cookies are the perfect way to spread joy this Christmas.

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