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Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

These festive shortbread cookies combine buttery dough with bright red maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. An easy slice-and-bake cookie perfect for Christmas.

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:20:30 GMT
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A stack of round cookies decorated with red and black fruit pieces, dusted with powdered sugar, set against a blurred background of more fruit. Save it
A stack of round cookies decorated with red and black fruit pieces, dusted with powdered sugar, set against a blurred background of more fruit. | myhomemaderecipe.com

These Christmas maraschino cherry shortbread cookies bring such festive cheer to holiday gatherings. After perfecting this recipe I've found the perfect balance of buttery shortbread bright cherries and rich chocolate that creates an irresistible holiday treat. The way those red cherries peek through makes them look like little jewels on any cookie platter.

Pure Holiday Joy

What makes these maraschino cherry shortbread cookies so special is their stunning presentation combined with classic shortbread charm. The cherries add such wonderful pops of color and flavor while the chocolate chips create little moments of sweetness throughout. My family starts requesting them as soon as December arrives.

What You'll Need

  • Butter: Room temperature for perfect creaming.
  • Powdered Sugar: For that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Vanilla: Pure extract adds depth.
  • Flour: Measured carefully.
  • Salt: Just a pinch.
  • Cherries: Pat them really dry.
  • Chocolate Chips: Mini ones work best.

Let's Start Baking

Mix with Care
Create that perfect buttery base.
Time to Chill
Patience makes slicing so much easier.
Bake to Perfection
Watch for those slightly golden edges.

Success Secrets

The key to perfect cherry shortbread cookies lies in the details. Those cherries need to be really well drained and patted dry to prevent any color bleeding. And don't skip the chilling step it makes such a difference in how cleanly the cookies slice.

Keep Them Fresh

These maraschino cherry shortbread cookies stay wonderful when stored properly. I love making extra dough logs to freeze they're perfect for unexpected holiday visitors. Just slice and bake whenever you need fresh warm cookies.

Sliced cookies with cherries and chocolate chips are arranged on a wooden surface. Save it
Sliced cookies with cherries and chocolate chips are arranged on a wooden surface. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why drain the cherries well?
Excess moisture from the cherries can affect the texture of the cookies and make the dough too wet to work with properly.
→ Why form into a log?
The log shape allows for easy slice-and-bake cookies. Pressing it firmly prevents crumbling when slicing.
→ How long should I chill the dough?
Chill for at least 1-2 hours to firm up the dough, making it easier to slice cleanly.
→ What if my cookies crumble when slicing?
Simply press the crumbled pieces back together with your hands - the dough is forgiving and will bake up fine.
→ How do I know when they're done?
The cookies should just start to turn lightly golden brown on top, usually after 10-15 minutes of baking.

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Classic shortbread cookies studded with red maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, perfect for holiday baking and gift-giving.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature.
02 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
03 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract.
04 2 cups all-purpose flour.
05 1/2 teaspoon salt.
06 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained.
07 2/3 cup chocolate chips.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix flour and salt in bowl. In separate bowl, cream butter with powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla.

Step 02

Add flour mixture to butter mixture until clumps form. Mix in chocolate chips and drained cherries.

Step 03

Shape dough into 2-inch thick log, pressing firmly. Wrap in plastic and chill 1-2 hours.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 05

Slice log into 1/4-1/3 inch slices. Place on sheet 1 inch apart. Bake 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.

Notes

  1. Drain cherries well before using.
  2. Can use candied maraschino cherries.
  3. Dough can be pressed back together if crumbled.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 2 g