A Festive Delight

The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and delicious treats! These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies bring together the buttery richness of shortbread with the sweet and tangy burst of maraschino cherries and the decadence of chocolate chips. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, baking for loved ones, or simply indulging in holiday cheer, these cookies are the perfect festive addition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for the Holidays: The vibrant red cherries and classic shortbread flavor capture the essence of Christmas.
Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples and just a few extra goodies, these cookies are easy to whip up.
Rich and Buttery: The tender shortbread base pairs wonderfully with the chewy cherries and melty chocolate chips.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever needed.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Christmas cookies, you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drain well on a paper towel or use candied maraschino cherries)
2/3 cup chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by beating the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This creates a creamy base for your cookies.

2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Sift this mixture into the butter mixture and knead gently until a soft dough forms.

3. Add Cherries and Chocolate

Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.

4. Shape and Chill

Transfer the dough onto a piece of cling film. Form it into a log shape, pressing with your hands to compact it. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

5. Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into round cookies about 1/4-inch thick. Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

Drain Cherries Well: Excess liquid from the cherries can affect the dough’s texture. Pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel before adding.
Uniform Slicing: To ensure even baking, slice the cookies into uniform thickness.
Refrigerate the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Customize the Chocolate: Swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor twist.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Sifter for dry ingredients
Cling film for wrapping dough
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Sharp knife for slicing

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own but can be elevated with these pairings:

Hot Beverages: Serve with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or coffee for a cozy winter treat.
Festive Dessert Spread: Include these cookies on a holiday dessert platter with other baked goods like gingerbread or sugar cookies.
Gift Idea: Package the cookies in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough log for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, slice and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Can I Use Other Fruits?

Yes, dried cranberries or candied orange peel make excellent substitutes for maraschino cherries.

What If I Don’t Have Chocolate Chips?

You can leave them out or replace them with chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for a crunchier texture.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

Call to Action

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect blend of festive flavors and buttery indulgence. Ideal for holiday gatherings, gifts, or simply treating yourself, they’re sure to become a cherished seasonal favorite.

If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! For more holiday inspiration, subscribe to our blog and explore a world of delicious, easy-to-make recipes. Happy baking!