Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe crisp air and twinkling lights of the holiday season remind me of one thing: the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the home. My latest joy? Whipping up these delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Combining a rich, buttery texture with sweet bursts of maraschino cherries, this easy recipe is a festive twist that makes for perfect treats to share or gift. With their crumbly nature and optional mini chocolate chips, these cookies not only bring cheer to any gathering but also double as charming holiday gifts. Ready to fill your kitchen with warmth and laughter? Stick around as I guide you through this wholesome holiday experience! Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake? Festive Flavor Explosion: Bursting with chunks of vibrant maraschino cherries and complemented by optional chocolate chips, these cookies deliver a delightful taste that truly embodies the holiday spirit. Effortless Preparation: A straightforward recipe that ensures even novice bakers can whip up a batch—your family and friends will never guess how easy they were to make! Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them up as charming holiday gifts or serve them at your next gathering; their unique look and taste are bound to impress. Versatile Twist Options: Feel free to swap the cherries for dried cranberries or add a hint of citrus zest for a refreshing variant. Memorable Homemade Touch: There’s nothing like the aroma of freshly baked cookies to evoke warm holiday memories, making this recipe a heartwarming tradition. You might also enjoy making Cosmic Brownie Cookies for a chocolatey spin! Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies • Get ready for a festive treat! For the Cookies Butter – Use unsalted butter for better control over your cookie’s sweetness. Sugar – Granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness; consider a sugar alternative if desired. All-purpose Flour – This forms the base of the cookies, giving them structure; opt for gluten-free flour if needed. Maraschino Cherries – Sweet and colorful, these cherries brighten up your cookies; drain and chop them for best results. Mini Chocolate Chips (optional) – For a rich chocolatey layer, sprinkle these in; dark chocolate chips are a healthier option. Vanilla Extract (optional) – A splash enhances the cookie’s flavor, adding warmth to every bite. For Topping Powdered Sugar (optional) – Dust lightly over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and holiday presentation. These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies not only bring a festive flair but also create memories that linger long after the last bite. Enjoy your baking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, which will prevent the cookies from sticking and allow for easy cleanup. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect, golden-brown edge on your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a mixing bowl, add softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about 3 to 5 minutes. This process aerates the batter, ensuring your cookies have a delightful texture that melts in your mouth. Step 3: Incorporate the Flour Once your butter and sugar are well combined, gradually add in all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed. Mix just until the flour is incorporated and a soft dough forms—avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender. The dough should be smooth yet slightly crumbly, just perfect for your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Step 4: Fold in the Cherries and Optional Chips Next, take your chopped maraschino cherries and gently fold them into the dough using a spatula. If you’re feeling indulgent, add in the optional mini chocolate chips at this stage as well. Mix until the cherries and chocolate are evenly distributed throughout, creating a colorful and festive dough that embodies the joy of holiday baking. Step 5: Scoop the Dough onto Baking Sheet Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing ensures that your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies have room to spread without merging into each other, allowing for a lovely presentation once baked. Step 6: Bake the Cookies Once all the dough is on the baking sheet, place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers appear a bit soft. Keep an eye on them, as the cookies will continue to firm up while cooling, achieving that desired crumbly texture. Step 7: Cool the Cookies When done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack. After a few minutes, carefully move the cookies to the rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their delightful shape. Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Variations Feel free to get creative with your holiday baking by customizing these delightful cookies to suit your taste! Dried Fruit: Swap maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or apricots to add a chewy texture and unique flavor. Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and added richness that complements the sweet cookies beautifully. Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist that brightens up the flavors and makes each bite feel festive. Flavored Extracts: Experiment with almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla; these variations can give your cookies a unique and seasonal twist. Spiced Sugar: Roll your cookies in cinnamon-sugar before baking for a warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery shortbread. For a chocolate experience, try making these cookies with a sprinkle of cocoa powder in the dough, you might also enjoy making Cosmic Brownie Cookies for a sweet surprise! Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent touch that takes these treats to the next level. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste. Expert Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Work Quickly: When creaming butter and sugar, be efficient. Overworking can lead to a denser cookie, which is a common mistake to avoid. Correct Cherry Prep: Make sure to drain and chop the maraschino cherries well to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the dough’s consistency. Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are golden; they will firm up during cooling for the best texture. Use Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheet with parchment to avoid sticking and achieve beautifully shaped Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Store Wisely: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain their delightful crispness over time. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to customize; adding lemon zest or almond extract can elevate the flavor profile of the cookies beautifully! How to Store and Freeze Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will maintain their delightful texture and flavor. Fridge: For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Be sure they are completely cooled first to avoid moisture. Freezer: Freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheating: Thaw frozen cookies in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore their fresh-baked taste. Enjoy your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies year-round! Make Ahead Options These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and shaping it into a log. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice the dough into rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. To maintain their delightful crumbly texture, avoid overmixing the dough initially, and let the cookies cool completely before storing. They also stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container—ensuring they’re just as delicious when you’re ready to enjoy them! What to Serve with Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies The perfect pairings elevate your holiday treats into a delightful feast for the senses, making every bite a celebration. Hot Cocoa: A cozy mug brimming with rich chocolate provides a warm contrast to the buttery sweetness of the cookies. Perfect for chilly nights! Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink complements the cookies’ crumbly texture, enhancing the holiday spirit. A classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Coffee or Tea: The bold flavors of freshly brewed coffee or aromatic tea balance the sweetness of these festive cookies, making for a delightful afternoon treat. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness, cutting through the richness of the cookies while bringing vibrant colors to the table. Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of light, fluffy whipped cream on the side provides a luxuriously creamy element that perfectly pairs with the crumbly nature of the cookies. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Consider serving a warm chocolate sauce for dipping, amplifying the richness and indulgence of your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses with crunchy crackers offers a savory contrast, creating a balanced sweet-and-savory holiday snack. Sparkling Wine: Celebrate the season with bubbly! A light sparkling wine adds an effervescent quality that feels festive and elevates your cookie experience. Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of maraschino cherries should I use? Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality maraschino cherries that are bright and firm. Make sure to drain them well and chop them into small pieces for even distribution throughout the cookie dough. This will ensure that you get the perfect sweet burst in every bite! How should I store my cookies? To keep your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps maintain their crumbly texture and delicious flavor. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks, just make sure they are completely cooled first! Can I freeze these cookies? Very! To freeze your cookies, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. I like to add parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then pop them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to warm them back up! What if my dough is too sticky or crumbly? If your dough is too sticky, it could be due to the butter being too warm. Try chilling the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking. Conversely, if it’s too crumbly, you may need to add a tiny bit of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Remember to handle the dough gently to keep those cookies tender! Are these cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Certainly! If you have gluten sensitivities, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, which works wonderfully in this recipe. For those watching sugar intake, consider using a sugar alternative that measures cup-for-cup like granulated sugar. Just be sure to check the labels for any specific allergens related to your dietary needs. How can I make these cookies more festive? Absolutely, there are plenty of ways to add a festive touch! You can sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top before baking, or even drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding some citrus zest or a splash of flavored extract, like peppermint, to embrace the holiday spirit! Delicious Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe Celebrate the festive season with these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies that blend buttery goodness with vibrant cherries. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 37 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: HolidayCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookies1 cup unsalted butter softened3/4 cup granulated sugar2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour1 cup maraschino cherries drained and chopped1/2 cup mini chocolate chips optional1 teaspoon vanilla extract optionalFor Topping1 cup powdered sugar optional Equipment Electric MixerMixing bowlBaking sheetParchment paperCookie scoop Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a mixing bowl, cream softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.Gradually add all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed until just combined, forming a soft dough.Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and optional mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.Drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and centers are slightly soft.Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesAllow cookies to cool completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. Feel free to experiment with flavors like lemon zest or almond extract. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!