If you are searching for a festive treat that combines buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with bursts of fruity sweetness, look no further! This Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is a charming way to bring holiday magic into your kitchen. The delicate shortbread crumb perfectly complements the vibrant maraschino cherries, creating a cookie that’s as delightful to look at as it is to savor. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party or simply craving a seasonal indulgence, these cookies bring warmth and cheer with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive color in your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, tender base that makes shortbread so irresistible.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness while keeping the dough light and delicate.
- 1/2 tsp almond extract: Offers a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates structure for the cookies, balancing tenderness with just enough firmness.
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped: Infuses festive color and juicy sweetness with every bite.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Adds a sparkling finish and slight crunch to the cookie surface.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar
Start by combining the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy — this is key for the tender, crumbly texture that defines perfect shortbread.
Step 2: Add almond extract
Mix in the almond extract next. This small but powerful addition brings a warm, nutty undertone that complements the sweetness of the cherries beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the flour
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour to the buttery blend. Adding it slowly helps your dough come together smoothly without overworking, which ensures the cookies stay tender.
Step 4: Fold in the chopped cherries
Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the dough. These little bursts of sweetness give your shortbread a festive pop of color and flavor that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Shape and sugar-coat the dough balls
Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar. This extra step adds a subtle crunch and a beautiful sparkle on top.
Step 6: Flatten with a fork
Place the sugar-coated balls on a baking sheet and gently flatten each one with the back of a fork. This classic step gives your cookies their signature shortbread look and an even bake.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Bake the cookies at 325°F (165°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Once the edges turn lightly golden, they’re ready to come out and cool — this ensures each bite is crumbly yet holds together beautifully.
Step 8: Cool before enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool fully on a rack before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the texture set for that perfect Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe finish.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few extra chopped maraschino cherries on top can add a charming touch. For an extra festive look, you could even drizzle a bit of white chocolate to complement the cherries and almond notes.
Side Dishes
These cookies are splendid alongside a warm mug of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or a steamy cup of coffee. The buttery sweetness pairs beautifully with warm, comforting drinks to elevate your holiday experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a natural holiday vibe. Wrapping small batches in clear cellophane tied with red ribbon also makes for delightful edible gifts that anyone would love to receive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their wonderful crumbly texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies. For dough, freeze on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a sealed container, and bake fresh when ready. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers wrapped with plastic wrap to preserve freshness.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked feel, warm the cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This gently heats them without making them crisp, bringing back the tender shortbread texture and enhancing the cherry aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla?
Absolutely! While almond extract adds a lovely nutty flavor, vanilla extract can be used if you prefer a more classic shortbread taste that still complements the cherries nicely.
Are maraschino cherries necessary or can I use fresh cherries?
Maraschino cherries bring both sweetness and their distinct red color. Fresh cherries have more moisture and tartness, which may affect the dough’s texture and sweetness balance, but you can experiment if you prefer a fresher fruit flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Be aware that this might slightly alter the texture, but the cookies will still be delicious.
How long do the cookies keep their freshness?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these shortbread cookies maintain their freshness for about a week at room temperature. Beyond that, the texture can change, so freezing is a good option for longer storage.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, use vegan butter and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The almond extract and cherries are naturally vegan, so this substitution will keep the cookies just as delightful.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple yet elegant treat that breathes holiday spirit into any gathering or quiet moment. Once you try these, I’m confident they’ll become a beloved part of your festive baking traditions — warm, beautiful, and bursting with joyful flavor.
Print
Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies, featuring a buttery, almond-scented dough studded with sweet maraschino cherries. Rolled in sugar and baked to a golden perfection, these cookies offer a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a classic treat with a fruity twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures the cookies have a tender texture.
- Add Almond Extract: Mix in the almond extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a subtle nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the bowl, mixing continuously until the dough begins to come together and forms a smooth consistency without being sticky.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of sweetness in every bite.
- Shape the Dough: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Then roll each ball in granulated sugar to add a slight crunch and sparkle on the cookie tops.
- Arrange and Flatten: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto an ungreased baking sheet and flatten each ball gently using the back of a fork to create a classic shortbread cookie shape.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked without being overdone.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these festive treats once cooled.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not over-bake; shortbread cookies should remain pale with just lightly golden edges.
- Chopped maraschino cherries add moisture; pat them dry slightly to prevent excessive dough wetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- For a nut-free variation, you can omit the almond extract or substitute with vanilla extract.
