A Festive, Buttery Classic with Jewel-Bright Cherries
✨ Introduction
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a timeless holiday favorite—rich, buttery, and delicately crumbly, with pops of bright red and green cherries that look like little Christmas ornaments baked into each bite. These cookies melt in your mouth and carry a nostalgic charm that makes them perfect for cookie trays, gift boxes, and cozy winter evenings with tea or coffee.
🧈 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, well drained and finely chopped
- Use red, green, or a mix for a festive look
Optional Enhancements
- ½ tsp almond extract (pairs beautifully with cherries)
- ¼ cup mini white chocolate chips
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Cherries
- Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly.
- Pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture.
- Finely chop and set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add Flavorings
- Mix in vanilla extract (and almond extract if using).
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt.
- Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in Cherries
- Gently fold in chopped cherries (and white chocolate chips if using).
- Chill the Dough
- Shape dough into a log or flatten into a disc.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Slice dough into ¼-inch rounds or roll and cut with cookie cutters.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool & Finish
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
🔧 Methods & Variations
- Slice-and-Bake Method: Perfect for uniform cookies and make-ahead dough
- Thumbprint Style: Press a small indentation and add a cherry piece or white chocolate
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half the cookie in melted dark or white chocolate
- Glazed Version: Drizzle with vanilla or almond glaze for extra sweetness
📜 History & Background
Shortbread originated in Scotland, traditionally made with just butter, sugar, and flour. Over time, festive additions like maraschino cherries became popular in Christmas baking, especially in North America, where colorful holiday desserts are cherished. These cookies blend Old World simplicity with modern holiday flair.
💚 Benefits (Enjoyed in Moderation)
- Butter-rich energy for winter festivities
- Mood-lifting nostalgia—holiday baking boosts joy and connection
- Simple ingredients, no preservatives
- Perfect for make-ahead and gifting
🧪 Formation & Texture
- Exterior: Pale, tender with lightly crisp edges
- Interior: Soft, buttery, and crumbly
- Flavor: Rich butter balanced with sweet cherry notes
- Appearance: Festive red and green speckles throughout
❤️ Why Cookie Lovers Adore These
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Visually festive without complicated decoration
- Easy to prepare, elegant to serve
- Ideal for cookie exchanges and holiday tins
🎁 Conclusion
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a celebration of simplicity, tradition, and festive joy. With their buttery richness and cheerful cherry bursts, they embody the spirit of Christmas baking—warm, nostalgic, and meant to be shared with loved ones.