Festive Flavor with Every Bite
There’s something magical about the holidays, and these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbreads bring that magic to life in every luscious bite. The buttery, crumbly texture paired with the sweet zing of maraschino cherries creates a festive delight that’s hard to resist. I’ve baked these cookies for years, always serving them at family gatherings, and they never fail to impress!
Why Make This Recipe
- Deliciously Unique Taste: The combination of rich shortbread and bright maraschino cherries creates a remarkable flavor that stands out from traditional cookies.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it great for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Perfect for Holiday Gifting: These cookies are not only tasty but also look beautiful in a tin, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family.
- Versatile Treat: They can be enjoyed as a snack or served at special occasions like holiday parties or cookie exchanges.
- Personal Touch: I love how this recipe brings back childhood memories of baking with my grandmother, adding a sentimental touch to our holiday traditions.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
This recipe involves mixing, shaping, and baking the dough to golden perfection, resulting in delicious shortbread cookies.
My Experience Making This Recipe
The first time I tried making Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbreads, I faced a little challenge with the dough’s consistency. After a couple of batches, I found that adding a bit more flour helped achieve the right texture. The result was worth the effort—every batch was a hit with my family and friends!
How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread
Making these shortbreads is straightforward and rewarding. Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in flour, salt, and chopped maraschino cherries. The key technique here is to not overmix the dough, which keeps the cookies tender. Once shaped, they are baked until just golden, preserving that lovely buttery flavor.
Expert Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use softened butter at room temperature for a light, airy texture. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies.
- Chop Cherries Carefully: Make sure to drain and chop the maraschino cherries well to avoid excess moisture in your dough.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to shape, chill it for 15-30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
- Allow to Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent them from breaking.
- Oven Calibration: Each oven can be a bit different, so consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
How to Serve Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread
These delightful cookies are perfect on their own, but they shine when presented on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats. For a fun twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of cocoa. They also look beautiful garnished with a drizzle of white chocolate or sprinkles to elevate their festive charm.
Storage and Reheating Guide
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy them later, let the cookies thaw at room temperature. If you want them warm, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a delicious gluten-free option.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and ensure that the maraschino cherries are dairy-free.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
- Nut Variation: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
These cookies are a nice treat when enjoyed in moderation. They offer a bit of energy from the sugars and fats necessary to fuel your festive spirit! However, as they are rich in butter and sugar, they should be considered an occasional indulgence. Typical allergens include gluten and dairy.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dry Cookies: If your cookies turn out dry, it may be a sign that the flour was overmeasured or overmixed. Precision is key, so use a kitchen scale if possible.
- Spread Too Much: If the cookies spread too thin, ensure the butter was not too warm at the beginning and consider chilling the dough before baking.
- Flavor Too Mild: If you feel the flavor is bland, adding a pinch of almond or vanilla extract can enhance the overall taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
- Fresh cherries can be used, but they will need to be pitted, chopped, and may yield extra moisture. Be sure to adjust the flour accordingly.
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What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
- If the dough feels too sticky to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which will make it easier to work with.
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Can I freeze the dough before baking?
- Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped dough on a baking sheet and once firm, transfer to an airtight container. They can be baked directly from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
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How can I make my cookies more festive?
- Try adding festive sprinkles on top before baking or drizzling melted white chocolate after they cool for that extra holiday sparkle!
Now, gather your ingredients and dive into making these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbreads! Enjoy the process, and let the flavors fill your home with the essence of the holiday spirit. Happy baking!
Print
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbreads
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious buttery shortbread cookies featuring the sweet zing of maraschino cherries, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Shape the dough into desired forms.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes or until just golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For better cookies, use room temperature ingredients, chop cherries carefully to avoid excess moisture, and chill the dough if too soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg