Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a truly delightful holiday treat that combines buttery richness with a pop of festive color and flavor, these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are an absolute must-make. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread infused with the subtle sweetness of vanilla and bursting with juicy maraschino cherries, dusted with a delicate layer of powdered sugar—it’s like Christmas magic baked into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a warm cup of tea, these cookies bring joy, charm, and nostalgia together in the most wonderful way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies lies in their simplicity, yet each ingredient plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy butter to the vibrant cherries, every component is thoughtfully chosen to create an unforgettable treat.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of your shortbread, providing rich flavor and a tender crumb.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds smooth sweetness and helps create that delicate shortbread texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, subtle sweetness that elevates the entire cookie.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives structure to the dough while keeping the cookies tender.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
• Maraschino cherries (1/2 cup, chopped): These bring bursts of juicy, festive color and a wonderful sweetness.
• Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For an extra layer of indulgence that pairs beautifully with cherries.
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting: A snowy finishing touch that makes these cookies look as festive as they taste.

How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This is the base that lends your shortbread that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush this step—the more evenly it’s blended, the more tender your cookies will be.

Step 2: Add the Vanilla Extract

Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, stir in the vanilla extract. This little addition transforms the dough by adding a warm, rich sweetness that beautifully complements the cherries and chocolate chips later.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, folding everything together gently. Be careful not to overmix here—you want all the ingredients just combined to keep the dough tender and crumbly, which is the hallmark of a great shortbread.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part: gently folding in your chopped maraschino cherries and optional mini chocolate chips. The cherries add a festive, juicy sweetness and a cheerful pop of red, while the chocolate chips bring an irresistible richness. This combination makes these cookies truly special and perfect for the holiday season.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour. Chilling is key—it firms up the dough to make rolling easier and ensures your cookies bake up with the perfect texture, not too soft and not too crumbly.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced out on parchment-lined baking sheets. Gently flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass to give them that classic shortbread shape. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden; keep a close eye so they stay tender and don’t overbake.

Step 7: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

When your cookies come out of the oven, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar to add a snowy, festive touch that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

How to Serve Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are naturally stunning, but you can elevate their presentation by adding a few whole maraschino cherries on the side or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate over the tops also adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cherries.

Side Dishes

Serve your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies alongside a hot cup of spiced tea, rich coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy treat. For festive gatherings, consider putting them on a platter with other seasonal cookies and some fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by arranging these cookies in the shape of a Christmas tree on a large platter, adding green mint leaves or pistachios around as “branches.” Alternatively, stack them tied with a bright red ribbon for a beautiful gift everyone will love. Wrapping singles in clear cellophane with a colorful tag also makes for charming holiday favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies keep beautifully for up to a week stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate texture.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead for the holidays, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature—no need to reheat if you prefer a cool bite!

Reheating

For those who enjoy their shortbread slightly warm, simply reheat your cookies in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries don’t have the same sweet, preserved quality that maraschino cherries provide, so the flavor and color might be less intense. If you do use fresh cherries, remove excess moisture to avoid soggy dough.

Are the mini chocolate chips necessary?

Nope! The chocolate chips are completely optional but add a delightful contrast in flavor and texture. The cookies are delicious without them too, especially if you want the cherry flavor to shine.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

These cookies rely heavily on butter for their signature texture, but if you want to make vegan versions, try using a high-quality vegan butter substitute and check that your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly.

What is the best way to chop maraschino cherries?

Drain the cherries well to avoid adding extra moisture to the dough, then use a sharp knife to chop them into small pieces evenly distributed throughout the cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough is the most important step to control spreading. Also, baking at a slightly lower temperature (325°F) helps keep the cookies from flattening out too much.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies enough—they’re a wonderful blend of simple ingredients and festive flair that make every holiday gathering feel extra special. Whether you’re sharing with family or gifting friends, these cookies embody the warmth and joy of the season. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become one of your new favorite Christmas traditions.

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