Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

The holidays are the perfect time to bake something special, and these Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies offer a delightful blend of buttery shortbread with the vibrant color and sweetness of maraschino cherries. The rich, crumbly texture of shortbread is the ideal canvas for these colorful, festive cookies, which are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat. With a hint of almond flavor and the burst of sweetness from the cherries, these cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray.

Baking these cookies fills the house with the delicious aroma of buttery sweetness, and their festive red hue makes them perfect for holiday gifting or serving at Christmas parties. Shortbread is a timeless classic, but adding cherries gives these cookies a cheerful, bright touch that makes them stand out during the holidays. The combination of melt-in-your-mouth shortbread with the juicy, tangy cherry is simply irresistible.

What makes these cookies even better is how easy they are to make. No fancy techniques or ingredients are needed—just a few simple pantry staples and maraschino cherries to create something special. The dough comes together quickly, and the cherries add a pop of color and flavor that will make these cookies the star of your holiday celebrations.

These Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are not only a treat for the tastebuds, but they also add a festive touch to your cookie platter. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, filling your cookie jar, or giving them as gifts, these cookies are guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Resume:

These Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies combine the rich, buttery texture of classic shortbread with the vibrant sweetness of maraschino cherries. The cookies are not only delicious but also add a beautiful pop of red, making them perfect for holiday baking and gifting.

The shortbread dough is simple to make, and the addition of chopped maraschino cherries gives each cookie a festive flavor and color. A touch of almond extract enhances the flavor, bringing warmth and depth to the buttery dough.

The cookies bake up with a slightly crisp edge and a soft, tender interior. They’re perfect for sharing at Christmas parties or giving as a thoughtful homemade gift. These cookies have a charming, elegant look and a delightful taste that’s sure to make them a holiday favorite.

These easy-to-make Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies will quickly become a must-have on your holiday cookie platter. With their festive flair and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’ll have everyone reaching for just one more.

Exciting Story:

Every Christmas, I love to bake a batch of cookies that not only taste amazing but also add a bit of festive cheer to the holiday season. One year, while I was looking for a new twist on the classic shortbread, I remembered the bright red maraschino cherries I had in the pantry from another baking project. It was then that the idea hit me—why not add cherries to my shortbread dough and create a cookie that was not only delicious but also full of holiday spirit?

When I pulled the first batch out of the oven, the sight of those little bursts of red nestled in the buttery shortbread dough made my heart smile. The cherry flavor paired perfectly with the almond extract, and the cookies were the ideal combination of sweet and rich. My family couldn’t get enough of them, and they quickly became a tradition in our household. Every year, we bake them together, and they’ve become a staple on our Christmas cookie tray.

One of my fondest memories is sharing these cookies with my neighbors, who loved them just as much as my family did. I remember the look of delight on their faces when I handed over a plate of these little festive treats, and now, every year, they look forward to receiving a batch of these Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies. It’s a simple yet special tradition that brings the joy of the holidays into our home—and into the hearts of everyone who gets to enjoy these cookies.

Why This Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookie:

• Festive and Fun: The bright red maraschino cherries add a cheerful, holiday touch to the classic shortbread cookie.
• Buttery and Tender: The shortbread dough is melt-in-your-mouth soft with a slight crisp at the edges.
• Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these cookies come together in no time.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make great holiday gifts thanks to their beautiful color and festive flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

What You Need For Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/3 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries, for decoration (optional)

How to Make Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and mix well.

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Stir in the chopped maraschino cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls, then gently flatten each one with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. If desired, top each cookie with a small piece of cherry for decoration.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to work with, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping the cookies to make them easier to handle.
• Use Fresh Cherries: If you prefer, you can use fresh cherries that have been finely chopped and lightly dried to reduce excess moisture.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Different Extracts: If you prefer a different flavor, substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract or hazelnut extract for a unique twist.
• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, fold in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans along with the maraschino cherries.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a festive touch.

Make a Healthier Version:

• Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like powdered erythritol to cut down on the sweetness while maintaining the texture.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Closing for Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

And there you have it! These Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are not only beautiful but also delicious—a perfect blend of buttery shortbread and festive cherry sweetness. They’re simple to make, fun to share, and will definitely become a holiday tradition in your home. Don’t forget to let us know how your batch turns out, and be sure to check out our other festive recipes for more holiday inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions For Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

1. Can I use frozen maraschino cherries?
   Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before chopping and adding to the dough.
2. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
   These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
4. Can I use other types of cherries?
   Yes, fresh cherries or even dried cherries can be used, though maraschino cherries give them the classic festive look.
5. How can I store leftover cookies?
   Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for up to 2 months.
6. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
7. Can I add frosting to these cookies?
   Yes! A light glaze or a drizzle of icing would add a beautiful touch to these cookies.
8. Can I make these cookies larger?
   Yes, just increase the baking time by a few minutes if you decide to make the cookies larger.
9. Can I use a hand mixer instead of creaming the butter by hand?
   Yes, a hand mixer or stand mixer can be used to cream the butter and sugar together more quickly.
10. Are these cookies gluten-free?
    Not unless you substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but you can easily make them gluten-free with a little adjustment.