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