Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies – Buttery, Festive, and Sweetly Pink

The holidays call for treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a perfect addition to your festive cookie platter. With a buttery, tender texture, bright pink cherries, and optional chocolate chips, these cookies are as delightful to eat as they are to display.

Shortbread cookies are a classic dessert known for their simplicity, yet this version takes the traditional recipe and adds a holiday twist. Chopped maraschino cherries bring a sweet and slightly tangy pop of color, while mini chocolate chips add subtle bursts of chocolatey richness. Whether you’re gifting cookies, serving them at a holiday party, or simply indulging yourself, these festive treats are sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll cover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect cookies, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Ingredients

Before starting, gather the following ingredients:

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The base of the shortbread, providing richness and tenderness.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the cookies while keeping them soft.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds aromatic depth.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Gives structure and a delicate crumb.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped – Provides a festive pink color and fruity sweetness.
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) – Adds chocolatey bursts without overpowering the cherry flavor.

Optional for Finishing

• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Glass or spatula for flattening cookies
• Cooling rack

Preparation Method

Follow these steps to make perfectly tender, buttery shortbread cookies:

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.

Tip: Properly creamed butter ensures a tender texture and even sweetness throughout the cookies.

Step 2: Add Vanilla

Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The aroma will begin to fill your kitchen, signaling the start of a delightful batch of cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and result in tougher cookies.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate

Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries and optional mini chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough without crushing the cherries.

Tip: Pat dry maraschino cherries with a paper towel to remove excess liquid, which can affect cookie texture.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to shape into cookies and preventing them from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between cookies.

Slightly flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or spatula, giving them the traditional shortbread shape.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 14–16 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking will make the cookies dry.

Step 8: Cool and Dust

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a festive, snowy finish.

Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookies

1. Do not overmix the dough – This ensures the cookies remain tender and crumbly.
2. Chill dough – Helps control spreading and enhances flavor.
3. Watch the baking time – Shortbread should be lightly golden at the edges, not browned.
4. Pat cherries dry – Excess moisture can make cookies soggy.
5. Use quality butter – Butter is the star of shortbread; it impacts both flavor and texture.

Variations and Ideas

• Cherry-Almond: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty complement to the cherries.
• Chocolate Lover’s: Mix in 1/2 cup white or dark chocolate chips instead of mini milk chocolate.
• Festive Toppings: Decorate with colored sugar, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
• Mini Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutritional Information (per 1 cookie)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to 1 month.

2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have more moisture and can make the dough too soft. If using fresh, remove excess juice and finely chop them.

3. Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Absolutely. The cookies are delicious on their own with just cherries, but chocolate adds an extra layer of flavor.

4. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough thoroughly before baking and avoid flattening the cookies too much.

5. Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Yes. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

Conclusion

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are simple, elegant, and festive. Their buttery texture, delicate sweetness, and pink cherry accents make them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just enjoying a special treat at home.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll achieve cookies that are tender, flavorful, and beautifully decorated. With options for chocolate, almond, and decorative toppings, these cookies are highly customizable, allowing you to put your own creative spin on a classic holiday favorite.

Whether baked for family, friends, or gift-giving, these festive shortbread cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition.

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