If you’re on the lookout for a cookie that perfectly captures festive cheer in every bite, this Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is your new baking best friend. These delightful treats combine the buttery richness of classic shortbread with the sweet, tangy burst of maraschino cherries, accented ever so gently with almond extract. The result is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s just sweet enough and packed with holiday spirit. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or gifting to friends, these cookies add that warm, nostalgic touch every holiday season deserves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe to create a texture and flavor that’s simply irresistible. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the creamy butter providing that melt-in-your-mouth softness or the cherries offering a festive, colorful pop.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of your cookies, ensuring a rich, tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness while keeping the dough silky smooth.
- 1/2 tsp almond extract: Brings a delicate, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your shortbread, providing a crisp bite.
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped: Bursts of color and flavor that turn ordinary cookies into festive delights.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Gives the cookies a sweet, slightly crunchy coating for extra texture.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which keeps your shortbread tender and not dense.
Step 2: Add Almond Extract
Next, pour in the almond extract and mix until it’s thoroughly combined. This little addition might seem simple, but it adds a subtle depth of flavor that makes these cookies feel extra special.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here—too much handling can make the cookies tough, and we want them buttery and soft.
Step 4: Fold in Chopped Maraschino Cherries
Gently fold in those vibrant, chopped cherries, making sure they’re evenly distributed without breaking down. These add a sweet and tangy surprise in every bite, plus a gorgeous festive look.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently coat each in granulated sugar. This creates a delightful sweet crust that’s the perfect contrast to the soft interior.
Step 6: Flatten Each Cookie
Place the sugar-coated balls on your baking sheet and flatten them with a fork, forming a pretty crisscross pattern that’s classic to shortbread cookies.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. Keep a close eye near the end for that perfect balance—too brown and the buttery taste can be lost.
Step 8: Cool Completely Before Serving
Once out of the oven, cool the cookies on a wire rack. This resting time allows them to set so they hold their shape and give you that satisfying bite that defines a great Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the holiday feel, consider a dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving—it looks like a fresh snowfall. You might also sprinkle a few small pieces of candied cherries on top to echo the flavors inside the cookies.
Side Dishes
These shortbread cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or a creamy eggnog. Their buttery sweetness balances perfectly with these classic festive drinks, making any holiday gathering cozy and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate: arrange the cookies in a festive tin lined with parchment paper, tie with a bright red ribbon, or stack them alongside sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries for a rustic-chic gift. Presentation adds charm and makes this Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe an unforgettable treat for loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week, maintaining that perfect, crumbly texture you love.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, freeze the shaped dough balls on a tray, then move them to a freezer-safe container. When ready, simply bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. The baked cookies themselves also freeze well—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, pop the cookies in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes. This refreshes their texture and flavor, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven feel anytime you crave a taste of this Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?
Absolutely! While almond extract adds a distinctive nuttiness that elevates these cookies, vanilla extract will still create a delicious flavor profile. It’s a great alternative if you don’t have almond extract on hand.
Are maraschino cherries necessary, or can I use dried cherries?
Maraschino cherries give the cookies a juicy sweetness and vibrant color that dried cherries can’t fully replicate. However, dried cherries will work if you prefer a chewier texture and less sweetness—just soak them briefly in warm water to soften.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, so consider adding a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.
What does rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar do?
Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar creates a sparkling, slightly crunchy crust on the cookie surface that contrasts beautifully with the tender shortbread inside—a simple step that makes a big texture difference!
How long will these cookies stay fresh once baked?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to preserve their flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about baking your own Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe. From the buttery dough to the bursts of cherry sweetness and that delicate almond hint, these cookies perfectly capture the spirit of the holidays. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and share it with the people you love—the smiles and warm memories that come with each bite are the very best part of the season.
Print
Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and lightly sweetened with a festive touch from chopped maraschino cherries. Perfectly crisp on the edges and melt-in-your-mouth soft in the center, these cookies are rolled in sugar for an extra sparkle, making them an ideal holiday treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
Finishing
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or wooden spoon until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Almond Extract: Stir in the almond extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a delicate nutty flavor.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the dough, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Shape and Roll: Shape the dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat them evenly, then place them spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten Cookies: Press each cookie ball down gently with a fork to flatten slightly and create a classic shortbread pattern.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, signaling that the cookies are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, enhancing their texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool, so aim for just lightly golden edges.
- For an extra festive touch, substitute maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or add a sprinkle of colored sugar before baking.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can also be frozen after shaping for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time.
