Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Celebrate the festive season with these delightful Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery richness, sweet cherries, and chocolate chips. These classic American dessert cookies are easy to prepare and make a charming treat for Christmas gatherings, offering a soft yet crumbly texture and bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base 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
Mix-ins
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and well-drained
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: Beat the room temperature unsalted butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a creamy base for the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add this into the butter mixture, kneading gently to form a soft cookie dough.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate: Fold in the chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries and chocolate chips evenly through the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Place the dough onto cling film and shape it into a log by pressing with your hands. Wrap securely and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
- Slice and Bake: Remove the chilled dough, slice into round cookies, and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes until set but not browned.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before gently removing and serving to enjoy their delicate texture and rich flavors.
Notes
- If butter isn’t soft enough, cut it into pieces and briefly melt in the microwave to help blend smoothly.
- Use small chocolate chips or drops for easier slicing of the dough log into cookies without breaking.
- Chilling the dough for at least an hour is essential for better shaping and baking results.
- If cookies crumble after cutting, hold them gently with your fingers to maintain shape before baking.