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 festive way to impress your loved ones. With their buttery texture and a pop of cherry sweetness, they’re sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up even on the busiest of days, making them the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup.
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Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies: A Festive Treat!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- 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
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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 and salt.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- 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 other dried fruits or nuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 like me. The buttery goodness melts in your mouth, while the cherries add a festive twist that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re versatile enough to adapt to your family’s tastes, ensuring everyone will love them. What’s not to adore?
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: The star of the show! It gives the cookies their rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetener adds a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s perfect for shortbread cookies, giving them that delicate sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie dough. It provides structure and helps create that crumbly texture we all love.
- Maraschino Cherries: These bright, sweet cherries add a festive pop of color and flavor. Feel free to chop them up for even distribution!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of this aromatic extract enhances the overall flavor, making each bite even more delightful.
- Salt: Just a pinch! It balances the sweetness and elevates the flavors, making the cookies taste even better.
For those looking to mix things up, consider substituting the maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a different twist. You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. If the oven isn’t hot enough, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!
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 step is vital for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The air you incorporate while creaming helps the cookies rise beautifully. So, take your time and mix well!
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
Next, mix in the vanilla extract and salt. The vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor that complements the buttery goodness. The salt, though small in quantity, enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. It’s like a little magic touch that makes everything taste better!
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be tender and crumbly. Just mix until you don’t see any dry flour, and you’re good to go!
Step 5: Fold in the Cherries
Now, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. This step is all about maintaining that lovely texture. Use a spatula to carefully combine the cherries with the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without breaking them apart. The cherries will add a burst of color and sweetness to each 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 a little while baking. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass for that classic shortbread look!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. If you want to be extra sure, you can gently press the center of a cookie; it should feel set but still soft.
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 a bit. Store your delicious 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 mixing and a creamy texture.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s key for even baking.
- For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies.
- Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits for variety.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy glass or ceramic bowl works well.
- Electric Mixer: For creaming butter and sugar. A whisk can be used if you prefer a workout!
- Baking Sheet: A flat tray for baking. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Spatula: Perfect for folding in cherries and scraping the bowl clean.
- Wire Rack: Ideal for cooling cookies. A plate can work in a pinch!
Variations
- Dried Cranberries: Swap maraschino cherries for dried cranberries for a tart twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for a rich, sweet flavor.
- Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nuttiness.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
- Serve them on a festive platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
- For a holiday gathering, stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a charming gift.
- Enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
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, feel free to swap them out for dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips. Each option brings its own unique flavor to the cookies!
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week—if they last that long!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkle them with colorful holiday sprinkles. It’s a simple way to make your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies even more special!
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 create memories with my family during the holiday season. The joy of baking together, the laughter shared over a warm batch, and the delight in each bite make this recipe truly special. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them with loved ones, these cookies bring a festive spirit to any gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the holiday magic, and let these cookies fill your home with warmth and cheer!