Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Christmas is the best time for baking sweet treats. One of my favorite cookies to bake is the Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup maraschino cherries chopped and drained
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
Cream the butter and sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. It should look light and fluffy. This step gives the cookies a soft texture.
Add vanilla and salt
- Add the vanilla extract and salt to the butter mix. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
Mix in the flour
- Slowly add the flour to the bowl. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, or the cookies will become hard.
Add cherries and chocolate chips
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. You can also add mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Mix until they are spread evenly in the dough.
Shape the cookies
- Take a spoonful of dough and roll it into small balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press each cookie gently with your fingers to flatten a bit.
Chill the dough
- Place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Bake the cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are light golden. Do not overbake, or they will turn dry.
Cool and serve
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a rack. Once cool, serve or store in a cookie jar.
Notes
- Drain cherries well to avoid soggy dough.
- Chill the dough before baking for firm cookies.
- Use real butter for rich flavor.
- Add white chocolate chips for a festive look.
- Store in an airtight container for longer freshness.