Dreamy Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Recipe For Sweet Treats

Sweet memories often spark when a classic maraschino cherry shortbread fills the kitchen with nostalgic comfort.

Buttery crumbs melt softly against delicate pink fruit nestled in tender dough.

Childhood afternoons resurface through each delectable bite of this simple treat.

Baking becomes a tender conversation between past and present, connecting generations through shared flavors.

Crisp edges and soft centers promise pure delight for anyone seeking a gentle dessert experience.

Magical moments await you in this straightforward recipe that celebrates simplicity and warmth.

Bake these cookies and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Sweet Holiday Cookies Standout Qualities

• Quick Holiday Treat: Whip up delightful sweet cookies that bring festive cheer to your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Chocolate chips and cherries create a perfect blend of flavors that everyone from kids to adults will adore.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough in advance and chill, making it super convenient for busy holiday schedules or unexpected guests.
• Stress-Free Baking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean even novice bakers can create professional-looking cookies without breaking a sweat.

Holiday Cookies Shopping List for Your Pantry

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure and texture to the holiday cookies.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender, soft cookie texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, delicate sweetness and contributes to the cookie's soft consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Chocolate Chips, Dried Cherries: Add bursts of flavor and delightful texture to the holiday cookies, creating a festive and indulgent treat.

From Dough to Oven with Sweet Holiday Cookies

Step 1: Whisk Dry Foundation

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together flour and salt until completely blended, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and wonderfully fluffy.

Step 3: Infuse Flavor

Pour vanilla extract into the creamy butter mixture and blend thoroughly to distribute the rich aromatic essence.

Step 4: Merge Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry flour mixture into the butter blend, mixing gently until a smooth, consistent dough forms.

Step 5: Enhance With Delights

• Chocolate chips
• Drained cherries

Gently mix to distribute evenly throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Log

Roll the dough into a cylindrical log approximately 2 inches thick, creating a uniform shape for consistent cookies.

Step 7: Chill And Rest

Wrap the cookie log securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and dough to firm.

Step 8: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring even temperature for perfect baking.

Step 9: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 10: Slice Cookies

Remove chilled dough and slice into rounds approximately 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick, creating uniform cookies.

Step 11: Arrange On Sheet

Place cookie slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each cookie.

Step 12: Bake To Perfection

Bake cookies for 10-15 minutes, watching for golden edges that indicate doneness.

Step 13: Initial Cooling

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, helping them set and stabilize.

Step 14: Final Cooling

Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, letting them cool completely before serving or storing.

Secrets for Making Holiday Cookies Shine

• Allow butter to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, fluffy texture without melting.
• Dust work surface with light flour when shaping log to prevent dough from clinging to countertop or hands.
• Use sharp, thin knife and clean between cuts for even, professional-looking cookie slices that bake consistently.
• Store cooled cookies in airtight container with piece of bread to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
• Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking to enhance chocolate and cherry flavors with subtle sweet-salty contrast.

Holiday Cookies New Takes and Combinations

• Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative that keeps the classic holiday taste.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Treats: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce sugar content while maintaining the cookie's sweet profile.
• Nutty Cherry Chocolate Variation: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the dough for added crunch and nutty complexity to the original recipe.

Presenting Holiday Cookies to Guests

• Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange cookies on a festive ceramic plate with sprinkled powdered sugar and fresh holly leaves for elegant presentation.
• Gifting Delight: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons, perfect for holiday gift-giving to neighbors, teachers, or family members.
• Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside hot cocoa, espresso, or mulled wine to enhance the sweet cherry and chocolate flavor profile of the cookies.
• Festive Display: Create a charming cookie tower by stacking cookies in alternating layers on a decorative cake stand, garnished with mint leaves or cinnamon sticks.

Holiday Cookies Storage Know-How

• Store cookies in airtight container, layered with parchment paper, for up to 5 days in refrigerator. Keep away from strong-smelling foods.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Move frozen cookies to refrigerator overnight, allowing gentle defrosting without moisture loss.
• Warm cookies on baking sheet at 275F for 3-5 minutes to restore original texture and refresh flavor.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in these holiday cookies?

The key ingredients are flour, salt, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and dried cherries.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough log, wrap it in plastic, and chill it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before baking. This helps the dough firm up and makes slicing easier.

• Do I need any special baking equipment?

You’ll need a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a cooling rack. A basic mixer or hand whisk will help cream the butter and sugar effectively.

Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet and buttery maraschino cherry shortbread cookies blend nostalgic flavors with classic baking charm. Delicate crimson bits punctuate rich, crumbly texture, creating an irresistible treat that beckons with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and well-drained

Sweetening Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Combine flour and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and powdered sugar until achieving a light, airy, and creamy consistency.
3. Incorporate vanilla extract, blending thoroughly into the butter-sugar mixture.
4. Gradually introduce flour mixture to the creamed ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
5. Gently fold chocolate chips and drained cherries into the dough, distributing evenly throughout.
6. Carefully shape the dough into a uniform log approximately 2 inches thick.
7. Tightly wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to enhance flavor and firmness.
8. Preheat the oven to 325°F, allowing sufficient time for even temperature distribution.
9. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.
10. Remove chilled dough and slice into uniform rounds measuring 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick.
11. Arrange cookie slices on prepared baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing.
12. Bake for 10-15 minutes, watching for golden edges and light browning.
13. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, enabling slight firming.
14. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack for complete cooling and crisp texture.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, creamy consistency when mixing with sugar.
• Drain cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making cookie dough soggy or affecting baking time.
• Chill dough completely to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking, creating a more uniform and professional look.
• Try different mix-ins like white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for unique flavor variations and personalized touch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 149
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 49 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg