Name: Delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with natural sweetener); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour blend); 1 cup Maraschino Cherries (chopped); 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (optional); 1/4 teaspoon Salt

As the holiday season draws near, I find myself gripped by a delightful mission: filling my kitchen with the sweet scents of festive baking. These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a joyful creation that not only adds a pop of color to your dessert table but also brings a taste of tradition and warmth. With a buttery texture that melts in your mouth and the option to elevate them with mini chocolate chips, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that’s destined to impress family and friends. Grab your apron and get ready to create some memories—what special moments could these cookies inspire in your home?

Why are these cookies so special?

Unique Flavor: The vibrant maraschino cherries add a burst of fruity sweetness, making these cookies a festive favorite.
Buttery Texture: Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, reminiscent of classic holiday treats.
Adaptable Recipe: Feel free to mix in mini chocolate chips or nuts for an extra layer of flavor!
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies not only taste great but also make for a colorful addition to any holiday gift basket.
Quick to Make: With just a few steps, you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies ready in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules! If you’re in the mood for more seasonal treats, try these Mini Cherry Pies or the festive Christmas Peppermint Pie. Make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Ingredients

For the Batter
Unsalted Butter – Ensure it’s softened for easier creaming, giving your cookies a rich texture.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and can be swapped with a natural sweetener for a healthier option.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cookie’s structure; use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free alternative.
Maraschino Cherries – Adds vibrant color and fruity flavor; dried cherries can also be used for a different twist.
Mini Chocolate Chips (optional) – Provides additional richness; consider dark chocolate chips for a healthier choice.
Salt – Helps to enhance sweetness and balance the overall flavor profile.

If you’re excited to create these delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread cookies, gather your ingredients and enjoy the joy of festive baking!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin your festive baking by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread cookies are placed inside, they bake evenly to a golden perfection. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial, as it creates the base for your cookies that will yield that delightful buttery flavor we all love in shortbread.

Step 3: Mix in Flour and Salt
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the butter and sugar mixture. With your mixer on low speed, blend until just combined—avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be crumbly yet cohesive, a beautiful sign that your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread is on the right track.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries and Optional Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and, if desired, the mini chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. Aim for an even distribution in the dough, which will provide delightful bursts of sweetness in each cookie. The vivid red cherries will add a festive flair to your mixture, making your cookies as beautiful as they are delicious!

Step 5: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will allow room for the cookies to spread while baking. Each mound of dough should be about 1 inch in diameter, creating the perfect size for handheld treats that you can enjoy with your family.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for very lightly golden edges. The centers may still appear soft, which is perfectly normal, as they’ll firm up while cooling. This is the moment when the kitchen fills with the warm aroma of Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread cookies!

Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After this initial cooling, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential, as it lets the cookies set fully and maintains their delicate, crumbly texture, ensuring they are just right to enjoy or gift to loved ones.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread cookies are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all your ingredients and forming the cookie dough. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into individual portions and store them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the fridge until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve these festive treats, just preheat your oven and bake them directly from the fridge for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they remain just as delicious and crumbly!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Variations

Feel free to add your own spin to these holiday cookies for a unique twist that will delight your loved ones!

Chocolate-Covered Cherries: Replace maraschino cherries with chocolate-covered ones for an indulgent flavor enhancement. The chocolate brings a rich decadence, perfect for any sweet tooth.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of texture in each bite. The nuttiness beautifully complements the cherries, creating a delightful combination of flavors.
Dried Cherry Twist: Substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries for a chewier texture and a deeper fruit flavor. This option adds a charming rustic feel to your Christmas baking.
Minty Brightness: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive twist that pairs wonderfully with the cherries. These cookies will remind you of holiday peppermint bark, bringing a refreshing hint to your favorites.
Drizzled Elegance: Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a beautiful presentation. This simple touch elevates your treats, making them gift-worthy for holiday gatherings.
Coconut Flavor: Stir in shredded unsweetened coconut for a tropical flair. The addition of coconut will add chewy bits to your shortbread, creating an unexpected yet delightful experience.
Spicy Warmth: Enhance the flavor by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Just a pinch goes a long way in creating a warm, inviting taste reminiscent of cozy holiday evenings.
Flavored Glaze: Top your cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a sweet finish. This sugary glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to every bite, making them irresistible!

Explore these variations to make your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread cookies a true reflection of your family’s taste and traditions. If you’re looking for more festive inspiration, you might enjoy baking Mini Cherry Pies or serving alongside a delicious slice of Christmas Peppermint Pie. Happy baking!

What to Serve with Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

There’s something magical about pairing these festive cookies with delightful accompaniments that enhance their sweetness and flavor.

Rich Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa perfectly complements the buttery cookies, creating a cozy holiday experience for the whole family. The chocolatey goodness heightens the flavors in the cookies, making each sip and bite a winter indulgence.
Crisp Apple Slices: Fresh, crisp apple slices provide a refreshing tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies. Their crunch adds a delightful texture, making this combination a perfect balance for your dessert table.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies à la mode! The scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm cookie, creating a decadent treat that your loved ones will crave all season long.
Flavored Coffee: Whether you prefer peppermint or hazelnut, a flavored coffee can elevate your coffee break to new heights. The aromatic coffee enhances the strawberry notes in the cookies, making for a delightful pairing that warms the soul.
Nutty Granola Yogurt Parfait: Layering Greek yogurt with granola and bits of cookie in a parfait creates a festive and fun treat. This offers a deliciously creamy texture mixed with crunchy bits of your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread, and provides a quick, gratifying breakfast option.
Gingerbread Tea: A warm cup of gingerbread tea brings a spiced warmth that echoes the holiday spirit. The flavors meld nicely with the cookies, elevating your snack time to something truly special.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a little warm caramel sauce over the cookies before serving to add an extra touch of indulgence. The sweetness of the caramel enhances the taste of the cherries and chocolate, turning an already delightful treat into something extraordinary.

Expert Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread

Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for the best incorporation and texture in your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread cookies.
Mixing Caution: Avoid overmixing once you add the flour; this will keep your cookies tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
Choc or No Choc: If adding mini chocolate chips, opt for dark chocolate for a richer—and slightly healthier—taste that complements the cherries perfectly.
Cooling is Key: Let your cookies cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy over time.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap maraschino cherries for dried cherries or even chocolate-covered ones for a fun twist to your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread.

Storage Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their delicate texture and prevents them from getting stale.
Fridge: If you prefer, place them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving, allowing their buttery flavor to shine again.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking, and thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Reheating: If you like your cookies warm, reheat them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until just warmed through. Enjoy your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread cookies while still fresh and delightful!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for maraschino cherries that are bright red and without dark spots all over, indicating they’re fresh and flavorful. If you want a different flavor profile, dried cherries could also work beautifully, just remember to chop them finely to distribute evenly throughout the dough.

How should I store these cookies after baking?
To keep your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you notice them getting a bit stale, placing them in the fridge can extend their life for up to 2 weeks—just let them return to room temperature before serving, as chilling can dull their buttery flavor.

Can I freeze my Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze these delightful cookies, first let them cool completely. Then, layer parchment paper between each cookie in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge or warm them briefly in the oven—delightful!

What should I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels too crumbly, don’t worry! Sometimes this happens if the butter isn’t fully softened or if the flour measurement is slightly off. You can add a teaspoon or two of milk or cream to bring the dough together, mixing gently until it holds. Just remember, a gentle hand will keep your cookies tender!

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with these cookies?
Very much so! This recipe contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour, but you can easily substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. Always check the labels of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips for any potential allergens, especially for guests with nut allergies!