Cherry-Kissed Maraschino Shortbread Cookies Recipe: Sweet Magic

Sweet, buttery shortbread meets a vibrant maraschino cherry twist in this delightful maraschino shortbread cookies recipe that will charm your taste buds.

The delicate crumble of classic Scottish shortbread merges perfectly with bright red cherry notes.

These elegant treats bring a playful splash of color to any dessert plate.

Each bite promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that balances rich butter with sweet cherry essence.

Bakers of all skill levels can create these impressive cookies with just a few simple ingredients.

The result is a sophisticated yet approachable treat that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Prepare to delight everyone with these irresistible, eye-catching cookies that sparkle with festive charm.

Everything for Cherry Chocolate Shortbread

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the shortbread.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender base for the shortbread with a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla: Provides a warm, classic flavor that complements the chocolate and cherries.

• Chocolate Chips, Dried Cherries: Add bursts of sweet and tangy flavor to the classic shortbread, creating a delightful taste combination.

How to Bake Cherry Chocolate Shortbread

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together flour and salt until perfectly combined.

Set the bowl aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, blend softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and super fluffy.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Combine Flour Mixture

Slowly add the prepared flour mixture into the butter blend.

Mix gradually until large, crumbly clumps begin to form.

The dough should start to come together naturally.

Step 4: Incorporate Delicious Mix-Ins

Gently fold in chocolate chips and drained cherries.

Use a spatula to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the dough.

Make sure each bite will have a perfect balance of chocolate and cherry.

Step 5: Shape and Chill Dough

Roll the dough into a smooth log shape, approximately 2 inches thick.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper.

Place in the refrigerator and let chill for 1-2 hours to firm up.

Step 6: Slice and Bake Shortbread

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Remove chilled dough and slice into rounds about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.

Arrange on a lined baking sheet.

Bake for 10-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Allow cookies to cool completely before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Chocolate Shortbread

• Pat dried cherries with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy shortbread texture.
• Refrigerate log for full 2 hours to ensure clean, crisp cookie edges and prevent spreading during baking.
• Select high-cocoa percentage chocolate chips for rich, intense flavor that complements sweet cherries.
• Soften butter beforehand for smoother creaming and easier mixing with powdered sugar.
• Use sharp knife and gentle, steady pressure when cutting dough to maintain consistent cookie thickness.

Shortbread: Cherry Chocolate Style Variations

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Shortbread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, buttery texture.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Shortbread: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based treat that's equally indulgent.
• Nutty Cherry Chocolate Shortbread: Incorporate chopped almonds or pistachios into the dough for added crunch and nutty depth of flavor.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Shortbread: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of powdered sugar and dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar content.

Cherry Chocolate Shortbread: Serving Ideas

• Dessert Plate Perfection: Arrange shortbread slices on a beautiful white ceramic plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar for elegant presentation.
• Tea Time Companion: Pair these rich shortbread cookies with a warm Earl Grey tea or smooth cappuccino to enhance the chocolate and cherry flavors.
• Gifting Delight: Package cooled shortbread in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for a charming homemade gift that looks professionally crafted.
• Garnish Grace: Top each shortbread slice with a single fresh cherry or chocolate shavings just before serving to add extra visual appeal and flavor complexity.

The Right Way to Store Shortbread Cookies

• Store cooled shortbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap the shortbread log or baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap and freezer bag, lasting up to 3 months for convenient make-ahead treats.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crispness.
• Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to absorb excess humidity and keep shortbread crisp and delicious.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture in the shortbread.

• What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal. They provide a rich flavor that complements the sweet cherries without making the shortbread too sugary.

• How do I know when the shortbread is perfectly baked?

Look for light golden edges and a set center. The cookies should be slightly firm but not brown. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough log can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking, or frozen for up to 2 months, making it perfect for advance preparation.

Cherry Chocolate Shortbread: Reasons to Indulge

• Whip Up a Sweet Sensation: These shortbread cookies deliver an irresistible blend of rich chocolate and tangy cherries that'll make your taste buds dance with joy.
• Master Easy Baking: Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple mixing techniques that even novice bakers can nail with confidence.
• Customize Your Treat: Versatile shortbread allows you to swap cherries or chocolate chips, making it a flexible recipe for different flavor preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a gourmet-looking dessert that seems complicated but actually comes together quickly, guaranteeing compliments without complex preparation.

Maraschino Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Delicate maraschino shortbread cookies dance with sweet cherry charm, blending buttery richness and nostalgic flavor. Crisp edges and delightful pink hue make these treats irresistible for afternoon tea or special celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

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

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
2. Cream butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and airy, then incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
3. Gradually blend flour mixture into butter combination, mixing until substantial crumbly clusters develop.
4. Gently fold chocolate chips and thoroughly drained cherries into the dough, distributing ingredients evenly.
5. Carefully shape dough into a compact cylindrical log approximately 2 inches in diameter, then tightly wrap in plastic film.
6. Refrigerate log for 1-2 hours to firm and solidify, allowing flavors to meld and dough to stabilize.
7. Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Remove chilled log and slice into uniform rounds approximately 1/3 inch thick using a sharp knife.
9. Arrange shortbread slices on prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between cookies.
10. Bake for 10-15 minutes until edges turn delicate golden brown, indicating perfect shortbread texture.
11. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on wire rack before serving.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter for smoother, more evenly mixed dough that creams perfectly with powdered sugar.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making shortbread soggy or affecting texture.
• Consider chopping chocolate chips and cherries into smaller pieces for more balanced flavor distribution in each bite.
• Swap maraschino cherries with dried cherries for a less sweet, more intense fruit flavor and chewier texture variation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg