Easy Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Easy Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies—a delightful twist on a classic treat that’s perfect for spreading cheer and indulging in sweet moments with loved ones. Imagine buttery shortbread cookies infused with the vibrant color and flavor of maraschino cherries, topped with a drizzle of decadent white chocolate and a sprinkle of festive red and green sprinkles. Whether enjoyed as a festive addition to your holiday cookie platter or packaged as thoughtful gifts for friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring joy to all who taste them. Let’s embark on a journey of holiday baking and discover the magic of these delightful treats!

Resume of the recipe: Elevate your holiday baking with our Easy Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies—a simple yet sensational recipe that’s guaranteed to become a festive favorite. With their tender crumb, vibrant color, and irresistible flavor, these cookies are sure to impress even the most discerning of cookie connoisseurs. Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, gathering with loved ones, or simply craving a sweet treat to enjoy by the fireplace, these cookies are the perfect choice for spreading holiday cheer. So, preheat your oven and get ready to bake up a batch of holiday magic!

Exciting Story: In our cozy kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked cookies mingles with the aroma of holiday spices, there’s an air of excitement and anticipation as we prepare to bake our famous Easy Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through generations, cherished for its simplicity and festive charm. As we mix the dough, fold in the maraschino cherries, and shape each cookie with care, we can’t help but feel a sense of warmth and nostalgia for holidays past—a time when the simple act of baking brought joy and comfort to all who gathered in our home. And when the cookies emerge from the oven, golden and fragrant with the scent of butter and cherries, we know that we’ve created something truly special—a treat that embodies the spirit of the season and brings smiles to all who taste it.

Why This Recipe Rocks:

• Festive Flavor: Our Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are infused with the vibrant color and flavor of maraschino cherries, making them the perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter.
• Buttery and Tender: Thanks to a generous amount of butter in the dough, these cookies boast a tender crumb that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to get creative with your cookie decorations by drizzling them with white chocolate, sprinkling them with festive sprinkles, or even dipping them in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

What i need to make Easy Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
• Festive red and green sprinkles, for decorating

How to Make Easy Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
6. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle them with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with festive red and green sprinkles.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies as a delightful addition to your holiday dessert spread or package them up as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Enjoy the festive flavors and sweet moments shared with loved ones!

Tips For Easy Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and creamy dough.
• Pat the chopped maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel before folding them into the cookie dough to prevent excess moisture in the cookies.
• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough along with the chopped cherries.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Substitutions and Variations For Easy Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

• If you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate for drizzling, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, for a variety of flavor combinations.
• For a nutty twist, you can add chopped pecans or almonds to the cookie dough for added texture and crunch.

Make a Healthier Version For Easy Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

• To make a lighter version of these cookies, you can use a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, or substitute coconut oil or vegetable oil for some of the butter.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a sugar substitute such as Stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie option.
• For a dairy-free version, you can use dairy-free white chocolate chips or skip the chocolate drizzle altogether and dust the cookies with powdered sugar instead.

Closing: Indulge in the magic of the season with our Easy Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies—a delightful treat that’s perfect for celebrating the joys of the holidays with loved ones. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire or shared with friends and family at a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to spread cheer and bring smiles to all who taste them. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of holiday magic that’s as delicious as it is festive!

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Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries in this recipe?

While fresh cherries can be used, they will release more moisture during baking and may affect the texture of the cookies. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit and chop them finely, and consider patting them dry with a paper towel before folding them into the dough.

Can I skip the white chocolate drizzle and sprinkles?

Yes, you can omit the white chocolate drizzle and sprinkles if you prefer a simpler cookie. The cookies will still be delicious without the added decoration.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Can I substitute almond extract for vanilla extract in this recipe?

Yes, you can use almond extract instead of vanilla extract for a subtle almond flavor that complements the cherries. Start with a small amount, such as 1/2 teaspoon, and adjust to taste.

How should I store the finished cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer the cookies between sheets of wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookies for longer storage.

Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies – Festive Delights to Savor!

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped

• Festive sprinkles for decoration

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the maraschino cherry juice and beat until well combined.
• Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
• Fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.