Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies: A Festive Delight

Dive into the holiday spirit with Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies! These cookies combine the classic simplicity of shortbread with the festive flair of maraschino cherries.

The result is a visually striking and delicious treat perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. These cookies are easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a little bit of your time to create something magical for the season.

Vibrant and Sweet Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

These Cherry Shortbread Cookies are not only pleasing to the eye but also melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The addition of maraschino cherries adds a pop of festive red color and a gentle cherry sweetness that complements the buttery shortbread. They are perfect for cookie exchanges, gifts, or simply to have on hand for visitors during the holiday season.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Shortbread Cookies

1. Cherry Prep: Dry your cherries thoroughly after chopping. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the dough’s consistency.
2. Dough Consistency: When forming your dough into a log, press firmly to ensure it holds together well during slicing.
3. Chilling Is Key: Chill the dough log for at least an hour before slicing to help the cookies maintain their shape and make cutting easier.
4. Even Baking: Arrange the cookies evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they all bake uniformly.
5. Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake to avoid over-browning. They should be just lightly golden.

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookie Recipe

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Serving: Makes about 24 cookies
• Equipment: Mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper

This recipe is a wonderful way to add a splash of color and cherry flavor to your holiday cookie repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 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 and well-drained
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour and salt, then set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until it forms large clumps.
4. Add Cherries and Chocolate: Fold in the chocolate chips and drained maraschino cherries.
5. Form the Dough: Shape the dough into a 2-inch thick log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
6. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Slice and Bake: Cut the chilled dough into 1/4 or 1/3 inch slices. If they crumble, press them back together. Place on the prepared sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Simple Yet Spectacular

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are simple to make but deliver big on flavor and appearance. With their festive look and delightful taste, they’re sure to become a new holiday favorite.

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