Description
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread cookies kissed with sweet maraschino cherries and optional chocolate chips. These festive holiday treats are perfect for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, or enjoying with hot cocoa by the fireplace.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, well-drained and chopped
- Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks
- Extra powdered sugar (for dusting if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream That Butter: Beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in the Dry: Slowly add flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix.
- Add the Holiday Magic: Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips if using.
- Shape ‘Em Up: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls, roll in hands, then gently flatten onto baking sheet.
- Bake with Love: Bake 12-15 minutes until edges just start to set. Don’t overbrown.
- Cool & Dust: Cool 5 minutes on tray, then transfer to wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Make sure cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent soggy cookies
- Don’t overmix the dough to maintain tender texture
- Cookies can be stored in airtight containers for up to one week
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg