Introduction to Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of sweet treats that bring joy to my family. That’s where my Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies come in! These delightful cookies are not just a quick solution for a busy day; they’re a way to create cherished memories with loved ones. With their buttery texture and festive cherry twist, they’re sure to impress everyone at your holiday gatherings. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up even on the busiest of days. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will fill your home with warmth and cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful blend of ease and flavor. They come together in just 35 minutes, making them perfect for busy moms and professionals. The buttery goodness paired with the sweet, tangy cherries creates a taste that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring smiles all around during your holiday celebrations. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This is the star of the show, providing that rich, creamy flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetener gives the cookies a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s finer than granulated sugar, which helps achieve that delicate crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of any cookie, it gives structure while keeping the cookies tender.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Maraschino cherries: These vibrant, sweet cherries add a festive touch and a burst of flavor. Chop them up to distribute their sweetness throughout the dough.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for any cookie recipe, it adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Chopped nuts (optional): If you want a little crunch, feel free to add walnuts or pecans. They complement the cherries beautifully.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial for baking these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. It ensures that the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. A hot oven helps the cookies rise and develop a lovely texture, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Take your time here; the fluffier the mixture, the better your cookies will turn out!
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Next, mix in the vanilla extract. This simple addition elevates the flavor of your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Vanilla adds warmth and depth, making each bite feel like a cozy hug. Trust me, you’ll want that extra layer of flavor!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and buttery. The dough should come together nicely without any dry flour remaining.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Nuts
Now it’s time to fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and nuts, if you’re using them. Gently mix these ingredients into the dough with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Be cautious not to overmix; we want those cherries to stay intact and provide bursts of flavor in every bite!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Shape the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking. Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass for that classic shortbread look.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. If you want a softer cookie, take them out a minute or two earlier. Trust your instincts; you know your oven best!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them firm up. Store your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, if they last that long!
Tips for Success
- Always use softened butter for easy creaming and a better texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft; this helps with shaping.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.
- Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits for unique flavors.
- Don’t skip the cooling time; it enhances the cookie’s texture.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for creaming the butter and sugar. A stand mixer works great, but a hand mixer or even a whisk will do!
- Baking sheet: Use a standard baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment, greasing the sheet works too.
- Spatula: A rubber spatula is perfect for folding in ingredients and scraping the bowl clean.
- Cookie scoop: This helps shape uniform cookies. If you don’t have one, just use your hands!
Variations
- Dried Cranberries: Swap out maraschino cherries for dried cranberries for a tart twist that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie base.
- Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for a rich, decadent flavor that complements the cherries.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
- Spiced Version: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture without the allergens.
Serving Suggestions
- Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Festive Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with sprigs of holly for a beautiful holiday presentation.
- Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
- Tea or Coffee: Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack.
FAQs about Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just shape the cookies and bake them when you’re ready to enjoy a fresh batch of Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies.
What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?
If maraschino cherries aren’t your thing, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots work wonderfully. They add a different flavor while still keeping that festive spirit alive in your cookies.
How should I store the cookies?
Store your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkle them with powdered sugar. You can also add colorful sprinkles for a fun holiday look!
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on my journey with these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, I can’t help but smile. They’re more than just a treat; they’re a way to bring family together during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The joy of baking, the aroma wafting through the house, and the laughter shared over warm cookies create lasting memories. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to spread cheer. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let the holiday magic unfold in your kitchen!
Print
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Delight You!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously buttery shortbread cookies with a festive twist of maraschino cherries, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and nuts, if using.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to substitute the maraschino cherries with dried cranberries for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg