If you’re searching for a festive treat that perfectly balances buttery richness with a pop of fruity cheer, you’ve got to try this Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies melt in your mouth with a delicate crumb, carrying just the right hint of almond and bursts of vibrant maraschino cherries. They are simple enough to whip up in under 30 minutes and make the perfect holiday gift, party snack, or cozy companion to your favorite winter beverage. I promise, once you bake these charming cookies, they’ll quickly become a beloved seasonal staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is all about simplicity and quality. Each component plays its part, from tender butter creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture to cherries that add festive color and sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Softened butter gives the cookies their classic rich shortbread texture and flavor.
- Powdered sugar, 1/2 cup: Smooth and fine, it blends into the dough seamlessly for a tender crumb.
- Almond extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The base of the dough, giving structure and that satisfying crumb.
- Maraschino cherries, 1/2 cup (chopped): Bright red pieces that bring bursts of sweetness and holiday cheer.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: Used for rolling the dough balls before baking, creating a perfectly crisp sugary exterior.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter together with powdered sugar until everything is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is crucial as it introduces air into your dough, ensuring those cookies will have a tender texture that practically melts on your tongue.
Step 2: Add the Almond Extract
Next, mix in the almond extract thoroughly. This little detail gives a subtle warmth and nuttiness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cherries, adding depth to each bite.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Be gentle while mixing so you don’t overwork the dough. When it just begins to come together, you’ll have the ideal consistency for shaping the cookies.
Step 4: Fold in the Chopped Cherries
Now for the festive star of the show: fold in those chopped maraschino cherries evenly throughout the dough. Their vibrant red color and juicy sweetness turn these cookies from ordinary to holiday extraordinary.
Step 5: Shape, Roll, and Flatten
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently coat each ball in granulated sugar. Place them spaced on your baking sheet, then use a fork to press down each ball, creating a charming crisscross pattern on top and helping the cookies bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray in an oven preheated to 325°F (165°C) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges just begin to pick up a lovely golden hue. Keep an eye towards the end – you want them baked through but still tender, not overly browned.
Step 7: Cooling Down
Allow your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them set perfectly and prevents breakage.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your cookies with simple garnishes such as a light dusting of powdered sugar to mimic freshly fallen snow or a delicate drizzle of white chocolate to add an elegant finish. These small touches make your festive presentation extra memorable.
Side Dishes
Serve these delightful cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced tea, rich hot cocoa, or a smooth cup of coffee. Their buttery, cherry-infused flavor pairs wonderfully with a hot drink, making every bite cozy and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking for a fun way to gift these? Arrange them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon or stack them in a holiday-themed tin. Add a handwritten tag with the name “Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe” for that homemade, heartfelt touch loved by everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious and tender for up to a week, perfect for nibbling throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies to enjoy later. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a sealed freezer bag or container. When properly wrapped, they freeze well for up to three months without losing their delightful flavor.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe warm, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will refresh their crisp edges while still maintaining that tender shortbread center.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries contain much more moisture and lack the sweetness and bright color that maraschino cherries provide, so the texture and flavor will differ. If you use fresh cherries, chop them very finely and consider reducing baking time slightly to avoid sogginess.
Is almond extract necessary for this Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe?
While almond extract adds a lovely nutty dimension that complements the cherries, you can omit it or substitute with vanilla extract if almond flavor is not your favorite. The cookies will still be delicious but slightly less aromatic.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for best results. The texture may be a bit different but still delightful.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Chilling the dough slightly before baking can also help the cookies maintain their shape better in the oven.
What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries?
Using a sharp knife, cut the cherries into small, even pieces so they distribute well throughout the dough. This ensures you get a burst of cherry flavor in every bite without large chunks that might affect the cookie texture.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is truly one of those festive treasures worth keeping in your holiday repertoire. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with joyful flavors that brighten the season. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and share these charming, buttery delights with your loved ones. Happy baking and merry moments!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and infused with the sweet flavor of maraschino cherries and a hint of almond extract. Perfectly rolled in sugar and baked to a light golden edge, these festive cookies bring classic holiday charm to any cookie tray.
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 until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Almond Extract: Stir in the almond extract until it is fully incorporated, infusing the dough with a delicate almond flavor.
- Mix in Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the bowl, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together but is not overworked to maintain a tender crumb.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the dough, evenly distributing the bursts of sweet, fruity flavor throughout the batter.
- Form Dough Balls: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent baking results.
- Roll in Sugar: Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to create a sweet, crunchy exterior once baked.
- Flatten Cookies: Place the sugared dough balls onto a baking sheet, then gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork to create a classic shortbread cookie shape and texture.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden, indicating they are done.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a plate or container to serve. This ensures they set properly and maintain their shape.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure easy creaming and a smooth dough.
- Chop the maraschino cherries finely to distribute flavor evenly without large chunks affecting the texture.
- Do not over-bake to prevent the cookies from becoming too hard; edges should be lightly golden.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- If almond extract is unavailable, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will change slightly.
