If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, this Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies studded with vibrant maraschino cherries bring a festive pop of color and a subtle almond aroma that makes every bite feel like a celebration. They are incredibly simple to make yet irresistibly charming, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy moments by the fire. Let me walk you through how to bring this cherished recipe to life, so you can fill your kitchen with warmth and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, combining to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll find that the simplicity of these ingredients makes the baking process approachable, while the combination ensures a truly special cookie experience.
- Unsalted butter: The base of our shortbread, softened for creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness with a smooth finish, helping create that classic shortbread tenderness.
- Almond extract: A tiny splash brings a fragrant warmth that harmonizes beautifully with the cherries.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure essential for shortbread’s crumbly texture.
- Maraschino cherries: Chopped to scatter bursts of bright, sweet color and flavor in every bite.
- Granulated sugar: For rolling the dough balls, giving the exterior a lovely slight crunch and sparkle.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by softening your butter to room temperature, then beat it together with the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This aeration step is key—it ensures that your cookies have that tender, crumbly texture shortbread is loved for.
Step 2: Add Almond Extract
Next, stir in the almond extract, which adds a subtle, nutty depth to the flavor. Almond and cherry are a classic pairing, making this little addition feel especially festive and warm.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour. Doing this slowly helps keep the dough from getting tough. You want just enough mixing until all the flour is absorbed and a cohesive dough forms. The texture should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Fold in the Chopped Cherries
Now, gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the dough. These bursts of cherry keep the cookies visually beautiful and add a juicy sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the buttery base.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough
Take portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in the granulated sugar to create a sparkling coating. This outside layer adds a delicate crunch once baked and a festive shimmer to your cookies.
Step 6: Flatten the Dough Balls
Place the sugar-coated balls on your baking sheet and flatten them gently with a fork, creating those classic shortbread cookie ridges. This not only improves baking evenness but makes them look irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your cookies into the oven preheated to 325°F (165°C) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them and pull them out once the edges just start to turn golden. This ensures a tender, melt-away texture inside with a slight crisp at the edges.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This resting time sets the texture and allows the flavors to fully develop. Then, get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are beautiful on their own, a quick dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra snowy touch that evokes that magical holiday feeling. You can also top each cookie with a tiny candied cherry or a drizzle of white chocolate to enhance both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these shortbread cookies with classic holiday beverages like mulled cider, hot cocoa, or a rich eggnog. Their buttery texture and cherry sweetness perfectly complement warm drinks, making any gathering instantly cozier.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe on decorative plates or tiered serving trays adorned with fresh pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, or miniature ornaments to amp up the festive cheer. You could even package them in clear holiday-themed boxes to share as heartfelt gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their delightful texture for up to a week, making them great for preparing in advance of the holiday rush.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When well wrapped, they can last up to three months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
If you want to freshen up your cookies after freezing, warm them slightly in a low oven for a few minutes. This will revive their buttery softness and gently crisp the edges, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the maraschino cherries with dried cherries?
Absolutely! Dried cherries work well if you prefer a less sugary option. Just chop them finely and consider soaking them briefly in warm water to soften before folding into the dough.
Is almond extract necessary for this recipe?
While not mandatory, almond extract adds a distinctive warmth and pairs wonderfully with the cherries. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract is a fine alternative, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What’s the best way to ensure soft shortbread cookies?
Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the flour, and avoid overbaking. The cookies should come out just golden on the edges and still soft in the center to achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I add other dried fruits or nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped pistachios, walnuts, or dried cranberries would all be delicious additions that complement the cherry and almond flavors.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven?
Make sure your butter is softened but not too warm, and chill the dough balls for 15 minutes before baking if you’re worried about spreading. Also, the modest oven temperature helps control spreading.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe a try because it’s not just a cookie—it’s a holiday memory in every bite. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, these cookies bring such joyful color and comfort to the table. Happy baking, and here’s to many festive moments filled with buttery sweetness!
Print
Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15m
- Cook Time: 15m
- Total Time: 30m
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and studded with sweet maraschino cherries for a delightful holiday treat. Rolled in sugar and lightly pressed, they bake to golden perfection, making them an ideal cookie for sharing during the holiday season.
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 using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Almond Extract: Stir in the almond extract to infuse a subtle, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing gently until the dough just comes together without overworking it, ensuring a crumbly shortbread texture.
- Add Cherries: Fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the dough evenly to distribute bursts of sweetness throughout the cookies.
- Form and Sugar Coat: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to add a sweet, crispy exterior when baked. Place the coated balls on a baking sheet spaced apart.
- Flatten Cookies: Gently flatten each ball using a fork to create the classic shortbread cookie shape and texture.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, ensuring they are perfectly baked but tender inside.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving to let them firm up and develop their delicate crumb.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- Do not overmix once flour is added to maintain a tender texture.
- Chilling dough is optional but can help with rolling and shaping.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For a festive twist, you can sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking.
