Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

As the holiday season approaches, the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air becomes one of my favorite memories. Let me take you on a tasty journey with my Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies-these little delights are the perfect blend of buttery goodness and festive cheer. The vibrant red specks of maraschino cherries scattered throughout not only add a pop of color but also a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, crumbly texture of the shortbread.

Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with a cozy cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to impress. They're not just easy to bake; they also bring a delightful charm to your cookie tray, making them an irresistible choice for sharing with family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves and let's create a batch of these festive treats that celebrate the spirit of Christmas!

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

Buttery Bliss: These cookies are all about that rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth!
Festive Color: The bright red maraschino cherries add a pop of holiday cheer, making your cookie tray truly eye-catching.
Easy to Bake: With straightforward instructions, you'll have delicious cookies ready in no time, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Versatile Variations: Swap in dried cranberries or a drizzle of chocolate to keep things exciting every time you bake.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at parties or gift-giving, these delightful treats are sure to impress everyone you share them with.
Make sure to check out more festive cookie ideas to elevate your holiday baking!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Maraschino Cherries - Provides sweetness and festive color; ensure to drain and chop before adding.
Butter - Contributes richness and structure; use unsalted for better control of sweetness.
Flour - Acts as the base for the cookie dough; consider using all-purpose flour for optimal texture.
Powdered Sugar - Adds sweetness and a smooth finish to the cookies; can be substituted with granulated sugar, though texture may be rougher.
Mini Chocolate Chips (optional) - Adds richness and a touch of indulgence; swap with white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Vanilla Extract - Enhances flavor; pure vanilla extract is preferred for a more aromatic profile.

Prepare these delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies ingredients, and let's dive into the baking joy!

How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming together the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a wonderful base for your cookies. Mix in the chopped maraschino cherries and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sprinkle in the flour, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. If you're feeling indulgent, fold in those delightful mini chocolate chips at this stage to elevate the flavor even more.
Shape Cookies: Divide the dough into logs, roughly about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until they feel firm and chilled.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, remove the logs from the fridge and slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Place the slices on a baking sheet, leaving some space. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color.
Cool: Once baked, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This cooling time is crucial! Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the flavors to settle.

Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their soft, crumbly texture.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies warm, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

What to Serve with Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?

Indulge in the warmth of the holiday season with these delightful treats, perfect for spreading joy at any gathering.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: Silky and rich, hot chocolate pairs perfectly, complementing the cookies' buttery flavor while adding a cozy vibe to your celebration.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Refreshing and colorful, a fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies, adding bright flavors and textures that delight the palate.
Eggnog: This classic holiday drink with its creamy, spiced notes enhances the festive spirit, creating a perfect pairing with the cookies' sweet cherry flavor.
Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses offers a savory contrast to the sweet cookies. Brie or a sharp cheddar provides delightful balance and sophistication.
Gingerbread Men: The spiced sweetness of gingerbread adds an extra layer of festive flavor that beautifully enhances the maraschino cherries in your cookies.
Warm Spiced Tea: A comforting cup of spiced tea offers aromatic warmth, making each bite of your cookies even more enjoyable as they melt together in harmony.
Pecan Pie: The rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie introduce a decadent sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the buttery texture of the shortbread cookies.
Dairy-Free Eggnog: For a lighter alternative, this dairy-free version of a holiday classic keeps everyone included while blending fabulously with the cookies' festive essence.

Expert Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming, creating a light and fluffy base for your cookies.
Gentle Mixing: Don't overmix once the flour is added; this keeps your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies tender and crumbly, avoiding a tough texture.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Don't skip this crucial step for best results!
Watch the Baking: Monitor the baking time closely; cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but remain pale in the center for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week-if they last that long!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to simplify their holiday baking! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. To do this, simply form the dough into logs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the fridge or freezer. When you're ready to bake, slice the chilled dough into rounds and bake as directed. This way, you'll have fresh, buttery cookies just as delicious as if made the same day, with minimal effort! Just be sure to let them cool completely after baking for the best texture.

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Variations

Explore exciting twists that elevate your baking experience! Customize these cookies to make them uniquely yours.

Dried Cranberries: Swap maraschino cherries for dried cranberries for a tart flavor balance. The chewy texture adds a pleasant contrast.
Nuts Galore: Replace cherries with chopped pecans or walnuts. Their crunchiness enhances the overall texture of the cookies.
White Chocolate Chips: Instead of mini chocolate chips, fold in white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamy touch that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Coconut Flakes: Add shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist. It provides an unexpected flavor note that transports you to a sunny paradise.
Spiced Up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice undertone, making these cookies even cozier for the holidays.
Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus burst. This lightens up the buttery richness with a bright, zesty flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for a gourmet finish. It not only looks stunning but adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Enjoy the cookie love without the gluten worry!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the perfect maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Look for maraschino cherries that are bright red, plump, and shiny. Avoid those with dark spots or excessive syrup, as they can affect the cookies' texture and sweetness. I recommend opting for cherries that are packed in a glass jar for optimal freshness.

How should I store the cookies after baking?
To keep your tasty cookies in top shape, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If they last longer than that, consider popping them in the fridge-you'll get about 2 weeks of freshness that way!

Can I freeze Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?
Yes, you can! For freezing, first place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months! To enjoy them warm, just allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

What if my cookie dough seems too crumbly?
If you find your dough isn't coming together, no worries! Adding a teaspoon of milk or water at a time can help bind it. Mix gently until everything comes together, but remember not to overmix once the flour is added, as this keeps your cookies tender.

Are these cookies suitable for someone with nut allergies?
Yes! The Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies do not contain nuts, making them a great option for those with nut allergies. However, always double-check your ingredients to ensure they are allergen-free, especially if you're adding any optional ingredients like chocolate chips.