Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the buttery mixture in my bowl, the vibrant red of the maraschino cherries caught my eye, instantly lifting my spirits and transporting me to cozy holiday gatherings. These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are not just any holiday treats; they’re a joyful celebration of flavor and festivity that effortlessly blend rich, buttery goodness with a delightful pop of sweetness. This recipe is perfect for those looking to ditch fast food and embrace the warmth of homemade, easy-to-bake cookies that are ideal for sharing with friends and family. With only a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that not only looks beautiful on your cookie platter but also tastes like a warm hug during the chilly holiday season. Are you ready to make your kitchen merry and bright? Why These Cookies Will Delight You Irresistible Holiday Flavor: These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies burst with vibrant flavor, thanks to the delightful blend of buttery richness and sweet cherries. Festive and Fun: Their cheerful red color makes them a standout on any holiday cookie tray, perfect for bringing joy to gatherings. Effortless Baking: With just a few simple steps, you’re guaranteed delicious cookies, making them an excellent choice for beginner bakers or busy schedules. Versatile Variations: Feel free to swap maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or chopped nuts, creating your unique twist while keeping the festive spirit alive. Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make thoughtful homemade gifts, especially when packaged in decorative tins, just like the Lemon Sugar Cookies you can easily whip up for your loved ones. Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies For the Dough Unsalted Butter – Ensures richness and a tender texture, so be sure to soften it for easier creaming. Granulated Sugar – This sweetens the cookies beautifully; for a unique twist, coconut sugar can be a delightful substitute. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the cookie; gluten-free flour blends can be used, but they might alter the texture. Chopped Maraschino Cherries – These add a festive color and sweetness; make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Optional Mini Chocolate Chips – These provide a rich flavor boost; feel free to swap them for chopped nuts if you prefer. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cookie’s flavor; using homemade vanilla can amplify its depth, making your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies even more special. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Step 1: Prepare the Dough Begin by creaming together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, taking about 3-5 minutes. Next, stir in 1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they are well-drained, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is evenly combined. Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients Gradually sift in 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the butter mixture while mixing on low speed. Continue to mix until just combined; you want to avoid overmixing to keep your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies tender. If desired, gently fold in ½ cup of optional mini chocolate chips for a delicious chocolatey burst that complements the cherries. Step 3: Shape Cookies Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dollops of dough and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a disc shape, which helps them bake evenly. The cookies will get a nice golden edge when baked, so don’t worry if they appear rustic! Step 4: Bake the Cookies Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing the baking sheet inside. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking; they will continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in the perfect texture for your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Step 5: Cool the Cookies Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. This allows the cookies to set properly. After that, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Letting them cool on a rack ensures your cookies maintain their delightful crumbly texture, ready for sharing or enjoying with a warm beverage! Storage Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will keep them fresh and ready to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thawing: To enjoy your frozen Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, quickly reheat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste. What to Serve with Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies These delightful cookies are the perfect centerpiece for a festive holiday spread, inviting warmth and cheer to any gathering. Rich Hot Chocolate: A smooth and creamy beverage that pairs beautifully, enhancing the sweetness of the cookies with its comforting richness. Fruity Cheesecake Bars: The creamy and tangy contrast of cheesecake bars brings a delightful balance to the sweetness of the cookies. They’re a perfect holiday treat! Glazed Christmas Ham: A savory option that complements the sweet notes of the cookies, creating a festive harmony of flavors on your holiday table. Festive Fruit Salad: Bright, fresh fruit adds a refreshing touch to the rich cookies, balancing flavors while keeping the festivity alive. Spiced Chai Tea: This aromatic beverage, with its warming spices, perfectly accents the buttery goodness of the cookies and adds a cozy touch. Gingerbread Men: Another classic holiday treat, gingerbread’s spiciness contrasts wonderfully with the delicate sweetness of the maraschino cherry cookies, making for a delightful assortment. Peppermint Hot Cocoa: Topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint, this drink adds festive flair, ensuring every bite and sip feels like a holiday celebration! Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies: Fun Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and make these cookies your own with these delightful twists! Dried Cranberries: Swap maraschino cherries for dried cranberries for a tart flavor contrast. Their chewy texture pairs beautifully with the rich shortbread. Chopped Pecans: For a nutty crunch, replace cherries with chopped pecans. Nuts add a satisfying texture that complements the buttery cookies perfectly. Almond Extract: Use almond extract in place of vanilla for a warm, nutty aroma. This adds a lovely depth of flavor that elevates the entire cookie. Chocolate Lovers: Want an indulgent treat? Replace a third of the flour with cocoa powder for chocolatey goodness. The combination of chocolate and cherries is a match made in heaven! Coconut Flakes: Toss in some sweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist. The coconut adds chewy texture and a hint of sweetness that brings a festive cheer to your cookie platter. Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to your flour for a warm holiday spice. This variant is bound to fill your home with delightful holiday scents. Lemon Zest: Brighten up the cookies with a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest instead of chocolate chips. The citrus notes will create a refreshing balance with the buttery base. Frosted Fun: Drizzle icing over the cooled cookies for a sweet finish. A simple mixture of powdered sugar and water or milk can add a lovely decorative touch, reminiscent of holiday cheer, just like the German Chocolate Cookies you can enjoy! Embrace these fun variations, and make each batch uniquely yours! Enjoy the process, and make wonderful memories as you bake for your loved ones. Make Ahead Options These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh and avoid drying out. Alternatively, you can also shape the cookies and freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months; simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the frozen cookies directly into the preheated oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll have deliciously warm cookies fresh from the oven with minimal effort—perfect for impromptu holiday gatherings! Expert Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Butter Temperature: Make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. Cold butter will lead to dense cookies. Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of tender Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Cookie Size Matters: For even baking, use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform dollops of dough and flatten them slightly on the baking sheet to help them cook evenly. Watch the Timer: Keep an eye on them as they bake! Cookies will continue to firm up while cooling, so take them out when edges are lightly golden but centers appear soft. Storage Secrets: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, keeping them fresh and delicious for holiday celebrations or lazy afternoons. Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs What are the best maraschino cherries to use for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for high-quality maraschino cherries, preferably those that are sold in light syrup or natural juice. Avoid overly sweet or artificially flavored varieties, as they might affect the cookie’s flavor. Make sure to drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the dough, which could lead to soggy cookies. How should I store my Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies? To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To prolong their life, you can freeze them. Simply place each cooled cookie in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delicious taste! Can I freeze the dough for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies? Yes, you can absolutely freeze the dough! After preparing the dough, scoop it into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour, then transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven and bake the frozen dough for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on them for doneness. This is a fantastic way to have fresh cookies on demand! What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking? If you notice your cookies spreading excessively, it could be due to warm butter. Ensure your butter is just softened, not melted, which can cause too much spreading. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help maintain their shape. Finally, always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; oven discrepancies can affect baking results too! Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies? Very! This recipe is nut-free as it stands. However, if you’re adding optional mini chocolate chips, make sure to choose brand-safe chips that don’t contain nuts, especially if serving to guests with allergies. Always read the packaging to ensure they are allergy-friendly. Delicious Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies to Share These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery goodness and sweet cherries, perfect for the holiday season. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 32 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Dough Ingredients1 cup unsalted butter softened¾ cup granulated sugar can substitute with coconut sugar2 cups all-purpose flour gluten-free flour blends can be used1 cup chopped maraschino cherries well-drained½ cup optional mini chocolate chips can substitute with chopped nuts1 teaspoon vanilla extract homemade vanilla enhances flavor Equipment Electric mixerBaking sheetParchment papercookie scoop Method Preparation StepsCream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.Stir in chopped maraschino cherries and vanilla extract until evenly combined.Sift in all-purpose flour gradually while mixing on low speed until just combined, then gently fold in mini chocolate chips if desired.Scoop dollops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and flatten slightly.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden, keeping centers soft.Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer and transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
