The aroma of buttery shortbread mingled with the sweet tartness of maraschino cherries wafts through the air, beckoning you to take a bite. These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are not just cookies; they are little bites of holiday magic that transport you straight to a winter wonderland filled with joy and laughter.
Remember those family gatherings where cookies were the star of the show? I do! Each bite was a burst of nostalgia, reminding me of cheerful faces and warm hugs. These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday parties or cozy evenings by the fire, promising joy in every crumb.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The simplicity of these cookies makes them a breeze to prepare, even for novice bakers
- Their unique flavor profile combines buttery richness with a hint of cherry sweetness
- Visually, they dazzle with their bright red cherries nestled in golden shortbread
- Perfect for cookie exchanges or as festive treats for any gathering
Ingredients for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener will create the delightful sweetness essential to the buttery flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of your cookies; sift it for a lighter texture.
- Maraschino Cherries: Choose vibrant cherries that add color and a burst of flavor to each bite.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash will enhance all other flavors and add depth to your cookies.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
*Preparation Phase: Creaming Butter and Sugar*
Start by creaming together your unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it turns light and fluffy—about three minutes should do it! The mixture should smell wonderfully sweet, like holiday cheer in a bowl.
*Combining Dry Ingredients*
In another bowl, whisk together your flour and salt until well combined. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing any surprise salty bites later on—trust me!
*Bringing It All Together*
Gradually add the dry mix into your butter-sugar blend while mixing on low speed. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a soft dough forming that holds together beautifully without being sticky.
*Adding the Cherries*
Chop your maraschino cherries into small pieces (but not too tiny!) and fold them gently into your cookie dough. This will create delicious pockets of cherry goodness throughout each cookie.
*Shaping the Cookies*
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; give them some space because they love to spread out while baking!
*Baking Time*
Bake these beauties in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them perfectly baked but still soft in the center!
*Cooling Down*
Once baked, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up just enough without losing that delectable softness inside.
*Serving Suggestions*
Serve these delightful cookies at your next holiday gathering or place them in festive tins as gifts for friends. They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or eggnog; who could resist?
Now you’ve got yourself a batch (or two) of scrumptious Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies! Wrap them up with love, share them generously, and watch as they bring smiles all around during this festive season. Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are not just a treat; they are little bites of joy that bring festive cheer
- These cookies melt in your mouth, and their bright red cherries make them visually appealing
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in front of the fireplace
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve cookie perfection, start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, gradually mix in the flour and chopped maraschino cherries. Bake at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, allowing them to cool on a rack before indulging.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these cookies by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or swapping maraschino cherries for dried cranberries. You can also experiment with different types of sugar for varied sweetness and flavor profiles.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer preservation, freeze them for up to three months and thaw as needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with sugar, enhancing the cookie’s texture
- Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy, which is essential for shortbread success
- Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain shape and enhances flavors
Nothing beats the joy of sharing these delightful cookies during holiday gatherings; it’s like spreading festive magic one bite at a time!
FAQs :
What are Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are delightful treats that combine the rich buttery flavor of shortbread with the sweet and tangy burst of maraschino cherries. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, adding a festive touch to your dessert table. With their beautiful red and green colors, they not only taste good but also look great during the Christmas season.
How do I store Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?
To keep your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their flavor and texture for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply layer the cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I customize my Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?
Absolutely! You can customize your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies by adding different flavors or mix-ins. Consider incorporating chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. Additionally, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent finish that enhances both flavor and presentation.
Are Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, these cookies make excellent gifts during the holiday season! Their vibrant colors and delicious taste will impress anyone who receives them. To present them beautifully, place the cookies in a decorative tin or box lined with tissue paper. Adding a personalized note can also make your gift even more special and thoughtful.
Conclusion for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies :
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a festive delight that combines buttery shortbread with sweet maraschino cherries. They are easy to make and store well, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or gifting. By customizing your cookies with additional flavors, you can create a unique version that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy these delightful treats as part of your Christmas celebrations and share them with loved ones for added joy this season!
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a festive delight that combines the rich buttery flavor of shortbread with the sweet and tangy burst of maraschino cherries. These charming cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing joy and warmth to any celebration. With their vibrant red cherries nestled in golden shortbread, they not only taste amazing but also look stunning on your dessert table. Easy to bake and perfect for sharing or gifting, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Gently fold in chopped cherries and vanilla extract.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet with space in between.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or using almond extract instead of vanilla. To ensure cookies remain soft, avoid overbaking; they should still be soft in the center when cooled.
