Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a festive and delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. These cookies are incredibly easy to make and feature a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base with the sweet and slightly tart flavor of maraschino cherries. The addition of almond extract enhances the flavor, making these cookies a truly special holiday treat. Whether you’re baking for a party or giving them as a gift, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

The soft, crumbly texture of shortbread paired with the colorful pop of red from the cherries makes these cookies not only delicious but also visually appealing. They are simple enough for beginner bakers but delicious enough to impress even the most seasoned cookie enthusiasts. The cherry and almond combination is a classic one, and the slight sweetness from the maraschino cherries gives each bite a burst of flavor. If you’re looking for a simple yet festive cookie to add to your holiday baking repertoire, Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are an ideal choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect balance of buttery richness and fruity sweetness. The dough is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients. The cherries add a burst of color and flavor that makes these cookies not only delicious but also festive and eye-catching. The dough doesn’t require chilling, making it a quick and convenient recipe that’s perfect for busy holiday baking. The soft and crumbly texture of shortbread paired with the sweetness of maraschino cherries creates a unique flavor that will quickly become a holiday favorite in your home.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Almond extract
• All-purpose flour
• Maraschino cherries
• Granulated sugar (for rolling)

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Cherry Shortbread: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for an added chocolatey twist that complements the cherries.
• Coconut Cherry Shortbread: Mix shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherries.
• Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist that pairs well with the almond extract and cherries.
• Glazed Shortbread: After baking, drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finishing touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Almond Extract

Once the butter and sugar are combined, add the almond extract and mix until well incorporated into the dough.

Step 3: Gradually Add Flour

Slowly add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing continuously until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in Chopped Cherries

Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries gently to avoid mashing them. Ensure the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape Dough Into Balls

Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to give the cookies a light sugary coating.

Step 6: Flatten the Balls

Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and gently flatten each one with a fork, pressing lightly to create a crisscross pattern on the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies at 325°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they are ready to be served.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature to help it cream well with the sugar and avoid a greasy dough.
• Chop the Cherries Finely: Chop the maraschino cherries into small pieces to ensure they are evenly distributed in the dough and don’t cause the cookies to fall apart.
• Don’t Overbake: Since these cookies are shortbread, they can dry out easily. Be sure to remove them from the oven when the edges are just lightly golden.
• Experiment with Flavoring: You can experiment with different extracts like vanilla or even hazelnut for a different flavor profile.

How to Serve

Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. Serve them on a festive cookie tray alongside other baked goods like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or snickerdoodles. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in a decorative tin or box. These cookies are best enjoyed with a warm beverage, such as coffee, hot chocolate, or tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the cookies fresh, you can place a small piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, layering them between parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back the fresh-baked flavor, you can warm the cookies in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes, but they’re best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cherry?

Yes, you can substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries or even fresh cherries, though fresh cherries may release more moisture.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter. Margarine may alter the consistency slightly.

3. Do I have to use almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or omit it altogether for a more neutral flavor.

4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, these cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

5. Can I add other fruits to the dough?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like dried cranberries or raisins, but be mindful that the texture of the dough may change slightly.

6. Why are my cookies too dry?

If your dough is too dry, try adding a little bit of milk or water, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together properly.

7. Can I roll these cookies in colored sugar?

Yes, you can use colored sugar for a festive touch, especially if you’re making these cookies for the holidays.

8. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Ensure that the dough balls are tightly packed and flattened before baking. This will help maintain their shape while baking.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you need to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the baking times accordingly.

10. Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer works just as well for this recipe, particularly if you need to cream the butter and sugar for a longer period of time.

Conclusion

Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a sweet, festive treat that will bring joy to any holiday celebration. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the sweet burst of maraschino cherries, these cookies are perfect for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or try out one of the many variations, these cookies are sure to be a hit this holiday season. Easy to make, store, and enjoy, they’re a must-bake this Christmas!

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