Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

The smell of fresh cookies is a cozy and nostalgic holiday treat. As winter winds blow, nothing beats the warmth of sharing homemade Christmas treats with loved ones. These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a holiday highlight.

The shortbread base is soft and delicious, perfect for the sweet and tangy maraschino cherries. These holiday treats delight the senses and bring families together through festive baking.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to holiday cooking, this buttery shortbread recipe will win your heart. Its elegant look and delicious taste make it a great addition to your Christmas cookie tray or a thoughtful gift.

Introduction to Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

The holiday season is the perfect time for festive treats. Christmas cookie exchange and edible gifts are in full swing. The Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a standout. They mix rich, crumbly shortbread with the sweet taste of maraschino cherries, creating a holiday delight.

What Makes These Cookies Special?

These cookies are special because of their ingredients and preparation. High-quality butter makes them melt in your mouth. Maraschino cherries add a bright seasonal flavor, capturing the Christmas spirit.

Perfect for Holiday Celebrations

These cookies are great for holiday celebrations. They look festive and taste amazing. Serve them with hot chocolate or as a edible gift for loved ones.

These cookies can be made ahead and frozen, making them easy for busy holidays. They’re perfect for any Christmas cookie exchange or gathering.

Ingredients You Will Need

Baking the perfect Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies is easy. You just need a few basic ingredients and the star of the show – maraschino cherries.

Essential Baking Ingredients

  • 2½ cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 cup of cold salted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Maraschino Cherries Selection

Choose well-drained maraschino cherries from the ice cream aisle. Don’t use fresh cherries because they’re too wet. This can mess up the shortbread dough’s texture.

The recipe needs 1/2 cup of chopped maraschino cherries. These maraschino cherries add sweetness and color to the cookies.

maraschino cherries

With these baking essentials and maraschino cherries, you’re ready to make delicious Christmas cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the perfect Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies is all about technique and detail. Let’s go through the steps to make sure your baking is a hit.

Preparing the Dough

First, heat your oven to 350°F. This is the best temperature for these treats. In a big bowl, mix together flour and sugar. Use a pastry cutter or forks to mix in the cold butter until it looks like coarse crumbs.

Then, add the vanilla extract. Mix it well until the dough comes together.

Adding the Cherries

Now, it’s time for the maraschino cherries. Fold in about 35-40 halved or diced cherries into the dough. Make sure they’re spread out evenly.

Once the cherries are mixed in, your dough is ready to shape.

To make classic round cookies, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, flatten them with a sugar-dipped glass. Or, shape the dough into a log, chill it, and then cut it into rounds.

Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie. This lets them spread a bit while baking. Put the tray in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden.

Follow these steps to make delicious Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Your family and friends will love them. Enjoy the amazing smell of freshly baked cookies in your kitchen!

Tips for the Perfect Shortbread Cookies

Baking the perfect shortbread cookies requires careful attention. It’s all about the temperature of your ingredients and avoiding common mistakes. These tips will help you get the perfect cookie texture.

Temperature and Texture

For a light, crumbly shortbread cookie, use cold butter. This keeps the cookie’s texture just right. Also, pat your maraschino cherries dry before adding them to the dough. This prevents too much moisture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overworking the dough – Mix the ingredients gently until just combined. This keeps the cookies tender and flaky.
  • Overly sticky dough – If the dough gets too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes. Then, shape and bake it.
  • Overbaking – Watch the cookies closely while they bake. They should be lightly golden on the edges.

By following these baking tips and focusing on the cookie texture, you’ll make deliciously crumbly and tasty shortbread cookies.

Baking tips

Variations on the Classic Recipe

The classic Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a favorite holiday treat. But, you can make them your own with many creative twists. Try adding chocolate or nuts for a unique touch to your holiday baking.

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread

Dipping shortbread cookies in melted chocolate makes them even more special. It adds a rich flavor and a beautiful look. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate to find your favorite.

Drizzling chocolate over the cookies gives them an artisanal feel. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

Nutty Additions

Using almond extract instead of vanilla gives the cookies a nutty taste. Adding chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts adds a nice crunch. Toasted coconut adds a tropical twist.

Dried cherries offer a tart contrast to the sweet maraschino cherries. For a unique flavor, try adding crushed pistachio nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt.

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for personalizing your holiday treats. Get creative with cherry almond and recipe variations to make them your own.

Decorating Your Cookies

After baking Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, the fun doesn’t end. Decorating them can make them even more special. They become festive treats that excite the senses.

Icing Options

Icing adds elegance to your cookies. Try making a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a sweet touch.

For a more detailed look, use royal icing. You can pipe designs or achieve a glossy finish.

Feel free to use different colored icings to match your holiday theme. Red and green are classic choices for Christmas cookies. But, don’t hesitate to try other colors too.

Presentation Ideas

  • Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a professional touch.
  • Arrange cookies on a platter or tiered stand. Add fresh greenery or powdered sugar for a festive look.
  • Use cookie cutters in shapes like trees, stars, or stockings. This adds a fun holiday flair.
  • Decorate with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter. This makes your presentation sparkle.

By decorating your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, you create a festive display. This is sure to impress family and friends during the holiday season.

Storage and Shelf Life

Keeping your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies fresh is key. Follow these easy storage tips to enjoy them for days.

Keeping Cookies Fresh

Let your cookies cool down completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 10 days.

Freezing Shortbread Cookies

Freezing these cookies is a great way to prep for holidays. Cool them down, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, move them to a freezer-safe container or bag. These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to eat them.

With these tips, your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies will stay delicious all holiday season.

Pairing Suggestions

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Pair them with drinks that match their buttery, sweet taste.

Best Beverages to Enjoy with Cookies

  • Steaming hot coffee, for a cozy and indulgent treat
  • Fragrant herbal teas, such as peppermint or spiced chai
  • Rich, creamy hot chocolate, especially with a dollop of whipped cream
  • Chilled milk, for a classic pairing that brings out the cookies’ delicate texture
  • Festive eggnog, for a truly holiday-inspired sipping experience

Serving Ideas for Holiday Gatherings

For serving these Christmas cookies, create a beautiful dessert spread. Place the Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies on a decorative platter. Add other cookies like gingerbread, sugar cookies, and peppermint treats.

This mix will amaze your guests and offer a variety of tastes. It’s perfect for the holiday entertaining season.

Cookie Pairing Beverage Recommendation
Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Hot Chocolate, Eggnog, Coffee
Gingerbread Cookies Spiced Chai Tea, Apple Cider
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Peppermint Mocha, Milk
Classic Sugar Cookies Milk, Hot Cocoa, Eggnog

cookie pairings

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Christmas Cookies

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for spreading holiday cheer. They look festive and taste amazing. They’re great for gifts or sharing at holiday cookie exchanges.

Sharing with Loved Ones

Baking these cookies together is a fun tradition. It helps you connect with your loved ones during the holidays. You could host a cookie-decorating party or give them as gifts to neighbors, coworkers, or distant family.

Making It a Holiday Tradition

Adding these cookies to your holiday baking routine is a great idea. It creates a tradition that can be passed down for generations. Mixing, baking, and decorating the cookies becomes a special family activity. It brings a sense of nostalgia and makes lasting holiday memories.

FAQ

What makes these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies special?

These cookies mix the buttery taste of shortbread with the sweet cherry flavor. This makes them a perfect holiday treat. The mix of textures and tastes makes them a hit on any holiday cookie tray.

Are these cookies easy to make?

Yes, making these cookies is easy. They’re great for beginners or anyone wanting a simple holiday baking project. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t need complex steps.

What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The main ingredients are flour, sugar, butter, vanilla, and maraschino cherries. You can also add almond extract or chocolate for extra flavor and decoration.

How do I prepare the dough for these cookies?

First, mix flour and sugar, then add cold butter until it’s crumbly. Next, add vanilla and cherries, and knead until it forms a dough. You can shape the dough into balls, flatten them, or make a log to chill and slice.

What tips are important for achieving the perfect texture?

Cold butter is key for the right texture. Avoid over-working the dough. Pat the cherries dry before adding them to prevent moisture. Chill the dough if it’s too sticky and watch it closely while baking.

Can I customize these cookies with different flavors or decorations?

Yes, these cookies are versatile. Try adding almond extract for a nutty taste, or use dried cherries for a tart flavor. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Decorate with melted chocolate, a chocolate drizzle, or red and green cherries for a festive look.

How long do these cookies last, and can they be frozen?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for 10 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

What are some good pairing options for these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?

These cookies go well with hot drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also pair well with cold milk or eggnog. They’re a great addition to a holiday dessert spread with other cookies.

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