Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

When the holiday season rolls around, I find solace in the kitchen, filled with the sweet aromas of festive baking. One of my absolute favorite recipes that never fails to bring joy is the Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. The combination of buttery goodness and the bright, cheerful pop of maraschino cherries creates a merry treat perfect for any holiday gathering.

As I take my first bite, I'm always transported to those cozy evenings spent with family, sharing stories by the fire, with a plate of these delicate cookies in hand. Whether you decide to gift them to friends or enjoy them yourself alongside a steaming cup of cocoa, every crumb encapsulates the warmth and love of the season. What's better? This cookie recipe is deceptively easy to whip up, making it a delightful addition to your festive baking repertoire. Let's dive in and create some holiday magic together!

Why are Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies a must-try?

Delightfully Festive: These cookies bring holiday cheer with their vibrant color and sweet flavor.
Crumble Perfection: Their delicate texture melts in your mouth, making every bite a luxurious experience.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, even novice bakers can create these treats effortlessly.
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap in chocolate chips or nuts for a personal touch!
Ideal for Gifting: Present them in a festive tin, and share the joy of homemade treats with loved ones.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress guests and leave them wanting more!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter - Provides richness and a tender texture; ensure it's softened for easier mixing.
• Granulated Sugar - Adds sweetness and aids in achieving a crumbly texture; can be substituted with a sugar alternative for dietary adjustments.
• All-Purpose Flour - The main structure of the cookie, creating a light texture; gluten-free flour blends can be used for a gluten-free version.
• Maraschino Cherries - Introduces fruity flavor and festive color; drain and chop finely; can substitute dried cherries if needed.
• Mini Chocolate Chips (optional) - Adds richness and a hint of chocolate flavor; swap with nuts for a different texture.
• Vanilla Extract - Enhances overall flavor; use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.

Enjoy creating these festive Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies that will surely make your holiday merrier!

How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets up the perfect environment for baking those delicious cookies!
Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes and is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Blend in the vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. The aroma will be wonderful, and the vanilla adds a rich depth of flavor to your dough.
Incorporate the all-purpose flour gradually, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain that tender consistency that shortbread is known for!
Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips (if using). Gently combining these ingredients will ensure an even distribution without squashing the cherries.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. They'll spread slightly while baking, so give them room to breathe!
Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will look soft when you take them out, but don't worry-they will firm up as they cool.
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely to retain their delicate texture!

Optional: Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to make this delightful cookie recipe your own with these fun and tasty twists!

Nutty Delight: Swap in your favorite chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a wonderful crunch that adds rich flavor.
Dried Fruit: Replace maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or apricots for a chewy texture and a different fruity essence.
Chocolate Lovers: Substitute mini chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate chips for an ultra-decadent treat that will satisfy all chocolate cravings.
Spiced Addition: Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive spice that wonderfully complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Citrus Zing: Add a bit of grated orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens up the flavors.
Almond Twist: Instead of vanilla extract, use almond extract for a different aromatic experience, lending a lovely nuttiness to your cookies.
Color Explosion: Incorporate colorful sprinkles or festive sugar crystals to the dough or as a topping for a joyful and eye-catching presentation.
Heat Factor: If you enjoy a hint of spiciness, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dough for a surprising kick!

Each variation can make your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies uniquely delicious. Enjoy exploring and sharing!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy holiday preparations! You can make the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; simply prepare it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld while ensuring your cookies remain just as delightful when baked. When you're ready to enjoy them, scoop out the dough and bake as directed-no need to bring it to room temperature. For added convenience, you can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. This way, you'll have scrumptious, fresh cookies at a moment's notice while keeping your holiday stress-free!

Storage Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and crumbly.

Fridge: For extended freshness, you can store the cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; just ensure they are properly wrapped to avoid drying out.

Freezer: Freeze cookies in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: If desired, warm the cookies slightly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to rejuvenate their texture before indulging in your tasty Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies.

What to Serve with Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?

Indulge your senses and create a delightful holiday spread that pairs beautifully with these festive cookies.

Hot Cocoa: The rich, chocolatey warmth of a steaming cup of hot cocoa perfectly complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies, adding a cozy touch to your treats.
Eggnog: This classic holiday beverage's creamy and spiced flavor enhances the festive experience, making each bite of cookie even more delightful with every sip.
Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea offers aromatic notes that balance the sweet cherry flavor, creating an inviting atmosphere for holiday gatherings.
Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses, like brie and goat cheese, provides a creamy contrast to the cookies' crumbly texture, turning your snack time into a gourmet experience.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad featuring citrus boosts brightness and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the shortbread cookies.
Marzipan: For an added layer of festive fun, serve marzipan alongside. Its sweet almond flavor harmonizes well with the buttery cookies while adding an extra touch of holiday elegance.
Holiday Punch: A pitcher of tangy-sweet holiday punch offers a vibrant drink option that matches the colors and cheerfulness of the cookies, perfect for entertaining guests.

Expert Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Butter Magic: Ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature. This will create the perfect creamy texture for your dough.

Don't Overmix: After adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired crumbly texture.

Watch the Timer: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them as soon as the edges turn lightly golden to avoid hard cookies.

Chill for Convenience: If you're short on time, make the cookie dough ahead and chill it for up to 3 days. This enhances the flavors and makes baking a breeze!

Add Personal Touch: Experiment with variations, like swapping maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or adding a splash of almond extract for a nutty essence.

Enjoy baking these scrumptious Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of maraschino cherries should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using the classic maraschino cherries found in jars, as they are sweet, vibrant, and perfect for baking. Make sure to drain them well and chop them finely to ensure an even distribution throughout the cookie dough. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, dried cherries can work, but the flavor and texture will differ significantly.

How should I store the cookies after baking?
For the best freshness, store your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you live in a particularly humid environment, placing them in the fridge can extend their shelf life to about 1-2 weeks-just be sure to wrap them properly to avoid drying out!

Can I freeze these cookies?
Certainly! You can freeze these delightful cookies for up to 3 months. To do this, allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in an airtight freezer bag or container. For extra protection against freezer burn, I often wrap them in plastic wrap before putting them in a bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature for a delightful treat!

What if my dough seems too dry or crumbly?
If you notice that your dough is too dry, don't worry! This can sometimes happen if too much flour is added or the butter isn't softened enough. To remedy this, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water gradually until the dough reaches a more cohesive consistency. Additionally, making sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming will help achieve a smoother dough.

Are there any dietary substitutions I can make?
Very much! If you or someone you're baking for has dietary restrictions, consider swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, which works wonderfully in this recipe. You can also replace granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or a sweetener of your choice for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, so adjust accordingly!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh and flavorful. When you're ready to bake, just scoop out the desired amount of dough and bake directly from the fridge. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor of the cookies as they sit!

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs will help you navigate any questions as you embark on your festive baking journey!