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Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
I remember the first time I made Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies with my grandmother. The warm smell of buttery sweetness filled her cozy kitchen. Every holiday season, she and I would gather around her kitchen table, mixing ingredients with joy and laughter. She would tell stories of her childhood while we rolled the dough and added the bright red cherries, reminding me of how special it was to be together in those moments. The cookies we made not only tasted amazing, but they also held memories of family and love. Each bite brought back those cherished times. Now, I carry on that tradition and share this recipe with my own family. These cookies make our holidays brighter, and I hope they bring the same warmth and joy to your home.
Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are more than just a treat; they are a celebration of the season. The sweet, buttery flavor and the colorful cherries create a beautiful combination that delights everyone. Not only do they look appealing with their festive colors, but they also taste heavenly. Eating one (or two!) can bring a smile during the busy holiday rush.
Additionally, making these cookies is easy! You don’t need to be an experienced baker to whip up a batch. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you create something special. Even more, you can enjoy wonderful moments with family while baking together. This Christmas, let these cookies be a part of your holiday spirit. You’ll cherish the memories and the flavors long after the last cookie has been eaten.
How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups All purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Maraschino cherries
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
When it comes to serving Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, think fun and festive. Present these cookies on a beautiful platter or a cake stand, and decorate the table with some holiday decorations for a charming feel. They taste delightful warm or at room temperature.
Consider serving them as part of a holiday dessert table, alongside other festive treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark. You can also pack them in clear bags and tie a ribbon around for charming gifts. These cookies pair wonderfully with hot chocolate or a warm cup of coffee. Everyone will love enjoying them with a loved one during the chilly season.
How to Store Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
To keep your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually last for about a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they maintain their texture and flavor, and you can enjoy them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, you can let them sit at room temperature for a bit or warm them up in the oven for a couple of minutes.
Tips to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This helps the butter cream well and creates a fluffy texture in your cookies. It also helps the dough mix evenly.
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Don’t Overmix: When adding flour, mix gently just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than tender, crumbly ones. Gently folding in the ingredients helps maintain a light texture.
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Chop Cherries Well: Chop the Maraschino cherries into small pieces. This ensures that the cherries spread evenly throughout the dough, giving each bite a nice fruity flavor. It also prevents big clumps of cherries that can affect the cookies’ texture.
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Experiment with Flavors: You can add extra flavors like almond extract or lemon zest for a twist on the traditional recipe. These flavors can enhance the cookies and add a special touch to your delicious treats.
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Check Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies while baking. If they begin to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly.
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Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper can help prevent the cookies from sticking. It’s also easy to clean up afterward, making your baking experience more enjoyable.
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Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This helps them maintain their crispiness and prevents moisture buildup in the container.
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Substitutions: If you’re allergic to nuts, consider using sunbutter in place of butter for a nut-free version. This twist can introduce a new creamy flavor without compromising texture.
Variation Ideas for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
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Chocolate Version: For a richer taste, add cocoa powder to the dough. Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder and add chocolate chips to create a chocolatey treat everyone will love.
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Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty crunch. This variation brings a lovely texture and flavor that complements the cherries nicely, creating a charming contrast.
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Mint Holiday Version: Sprinkle some crushed peppermint candy or add mint extract to the dough. This festive touch gives the cookies a refreshing taste, perfect for the holiday season.
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Caramel Surprise: Add small pieces of caramel candy into the dough for a rich, gooey surprise inside each cookie. This sweet addition will delight everyone who takes a bite.
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Low Sugar Modification: For a healthier option, try substituting some or all of the powdered sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener. This adjustment can reduce the overall sugar while maintaining a lovely sweetness.
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Fruity Twist: Swap out the Maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a tangy and chewy variation. This change can add a delightful fruity flavor and chewy texture to the cookies.
FAQs of Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
How long do Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies last?
These cookies can last about a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure you wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking! Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for Maraschino cherries?
If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to substitute Maraschino cherries with dried cranberries, cherries, or even chocolate chunks. Each substitution will provide a unique twist and adapt the cookies to your preferences.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure you chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps to solidify the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading excessively while baking. Additionally, ensure your oven temperature is correct to achieve the best results.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well and can produce excellent cookies, allowing anyone with dietary restrictions to enjoy this festive treat.
How do I store leftover cookies?
To store leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for about a week or store them in the freezer for longer freshness. Just remember to let them cool completely before sealing them away to avoid moisture buildup.
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive shortbread cookies enhanced with sweet maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups All purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Maraschino cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and do not overmix. Store in an airtight container for freshest taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, shortbread, holiday baking, maraschino cherries, festive treats
