Description
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and festive treats that combine the classic richness of shortbread with the sweet burst of maraschino cherries and indulgent chocolate chips. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, baked to golden perfection for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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 (spread cherries on paper towel to drain well or use candied maraschino cherries)
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the unsalted butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the all-purpose flour and salt, then sift these into the butter mixture. Knead the mixture gently to form a uniform dough.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate: Fold the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips into the dough evenly, distributing the festive additions throughout.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Place the dough onto a piece of cling film, shape it into a log by pressing with your hands, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
- Slice and Bake: After chilling, cut the dough log into round cookies. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet, then carefully remove and serve your delicious Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies.
Notes
- If butter is too hard, chop into small pieces and microwave briefly to soften without melting fully.
- Use small chocolate chips or drops for easier slicing of the dough log into cookies.
- Chill dough for at least one hour to prevent spreading while baking and to make slicing easier.
- If the dough crumbles when cutting, gently hold the slices together with your fingers to maintain shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
