Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the ultimate festive treat. With a buttery shortbread base, a bright maraschino cherry center, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, they bring both elegance and sweetness to your holiday spread. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are simple to make yet delightfully indulgent. Whether you’re seeking easy dessert ideas or festive food inspiration, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Appeal: The vibrant maraschino cherries add a pop of color that brightens any holiday table.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for various occasions, from Christmas parties to thoughtful gifts.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The buttery shortbread base creates an indulgent experience with every bite.
• Customizable Flavor: You can easily tweak the flavor profile by adding almond extract or other favorites.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Electric mixer or whisk: This tool ensures a light and fluffy texture for your butter and sugar mixture.
• Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet provides even heat distribution for consistent baking results.
• Wire rack: Cooling cookies on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy by allowing air circulation.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

• 12 maraschino cherries, halved
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using) and mix well.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Add Maraschino Cherries

Drain and pat the maraschino cherries dry, then place a cherry half in each indentation.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Finish with Powdered Sugar

Once fully cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a festive finish.

How to Serve Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

These delightful cookies can be served in many creative ways to enhance your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, here are some suggestions for serving these delicious treats.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a beautiful platter, mixing them with other festive treats like gingerbread men or peppermint bark for a colorful display.

Gift Bags

• Package the cookies in festive bags or boxes tied with ribbon. They make great gifts for neighbors, friends, and family during the holiday season.

Hot Beverage Pairing

• Serve the cookies alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. The sweetness of the cookies complements the warmth of the drinks perfectly.

Holiday Dessert Table

• Include these cookies as part of a larger dessert table featuring cakes, pies, and other sweets. Their bright color adds a cheerful touch.

Cookie Exchange

• Bring these cookies to a cookie exchange event. Their unique flavor will stand out and impress fellow bakers and sweet lovers alike.

How to Perfect Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

To ensure your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and light; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the dough: If time allows, refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better during baking.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature; this helps achieve even baking.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake and remove them when edges are lightly golden for optimal texture.
• Dust before serving: For the best presentation, dust the cookies with powdered sugar just before serving to keep them looking fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Creamy Eggnog: The rich flavors of eggnog complement the sweetness of shortbread beautifully; serve it chilled for a refreshing contrast.
2. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: This spiced drink pairs well with the buttery notes of the cookies, making each bite even more indulgent.
3. Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai create a cozy atmosphere that enhances the festive spirit of your cookie spread.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide a nice balance to the richness of shortbread; consider adding citrus fruits for brightness.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can offer savory notes that contrast nicely with the sweet cookies—consider cream cheese or brie.
6. Caramel Sauce Dip: Offer a small bowl of caramel sauce as a dip; its sweetness pairs excellently with the cherry-filled cookies.
7. Nutty Biscotti: Include some nutty biscotti on your dessert table; their crunchiness offers textural variety alongside soft shortbread.
8. Peppermint Bark: This festive treat adds a minty crunch that complements the cherry flavor in your cookies wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter makes it hard to achieve the fluffy texture needed. Always ensure your butter is softened before mixing.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or standard measuring cups for better results.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for precision.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Layer with wax paper to keep individual cookies separated.

Reheating Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, this section will help clarify common queries.

How do I make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies vegan?

You can substitute butter with plant-based margarine and omit any dairy-based extracts. The recipe remains delicious!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While fresh cherries can be used, they won’t provide the same sweetness and color as maraschino cherries. You may need to adjust sugar levels accordingly.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you prefer not to use almond extract, vanilla extract works well as a substitute, maintaining the cookie’s flavor profile.

How long do Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Can I customize these cookies?

Yes! Feel free to add nuts, different extracts, or even chocolate chips to create your unique twist on these festive treats.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. Their buttery texture paired with sweet cherries makes them perfect for any holiday occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings!