Christmas baking should feel joyful, nostalgic, and just a little bit magical — and these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies fit the season perfectly. With their tender, buttery crumb, flecks of vibrant red cherries, and optional white chocolate drizzle, they bring a festive pop of color and a melt-in-your-mouth texture to any holiday cookie tray. Their simplicity is part of their charm: classic shortbread ingredients elevated with sweet maraschino cherries. I once tried chilling the dough overnight instead of just an hour, and it made the cookies even easier to slice with beautifully clean edges. These cookies are ideal for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying with a warm mug of cocoa on a winter evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies deliver everything you want in a holiday treat. They’re buttery, lightly sweet, and infused with the nostalgic flavor of maraschino cherries. Their festive appearance makes them a lovely addition to Christmas cookie platters, and the dough is remarkably easy to prepare — no fancy techniques required. They bake into tender, crumbly rounds that keep well for days, making them perfect for make-ahead baking. You can customize them with chocolate, nuts, or citrus zest to suit your holiday palate. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or coworkers, these cookies offer a classic, crowd-pleasing flavor with a cheerful seasonal twist.
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Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies: Festive, Buttery Treats That Melt in Your Mouth
- Total Time: 1 hr 27 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery Christmas shortbread cookies filled with festive maraschino cherries. These slice-and-bake treats are tender, sweet, and perfect for holiday cookie trays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and well drained
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla and almond extract.
- Add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches thick, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Drain cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- Roll dough log in coarse sugar before slicing for a sparkly edge.
- Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsalted butter – Provides the signature rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines shortbread. Use softened butter for easy blending.
Granulated sugar – Lightly sweetens the dough without overpowering the delicate buttery flavor.
All-purpose flour – Gives the cookies structure while maintaining the tender shortbread crumb.
Maraschino cherries – Chopped cherries add color, sweetness, and festive flair throughout the dough.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth, pairing beautifully with the cherries.
Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the richness of the butter.
White chocolate (optional) – Melted white chocolate creates a pretty drizzle or dip for added sweetness and festive decoration.
Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly, patting them dry to remove excess moisture, then chop them into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chopped cherries, ensuring they distribute evenly throughout the dough. The dough will be soft but should hold together.
Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice. Once chilled, slice the log into ¼-inch rounds and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle or dip in melted white chocolate if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. If drizzled with chocolate, let them set completely before stacking. These cookies do not require reheating and maintain their texture well even after several days.
Variations and Customizations
White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread
Dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate for a beautiful festive finish.
Almond Cherry Shortbread
Add almond extract and chopped sliced almonds for a nutty, fragrant twist.
Chocolate Chip Cherry Shortbread
Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough along with the cherries for extra sweetness.
Citrus Cherry Shortbread
Add orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavor and complement the cherries.
Cherry Coconut Shortbread
Mix in shredded unsweetened coconut for a tropical touch.
Cherry Pistachio Cookies
Add chopped pistachios for delightful color contrast and crunch.
Gluten-Free Cherry Shortbread
Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to maintain a tender crumb.
Cherry Cheesecake Shortbread
Add tiny bits of cream cheese to the dough for a richer, creamier variation.
FAQs
Why did my cookies spread too much?
The cherries may have retained moisture; pat them very dry before mixing into the dough.
Can I freeze the unbaked dough?
Yes, freeze the dough log for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
Can I shape these into cutout cookies?
Shortbread dough is delicate and best suited for slice-and-bake, but you can gently shape rounds if preferred.
Can I use maraschino cherry juice for flavor?
Use sparingly, as too much liquid affects the dough. A teaspoon can add flavor safely.
How do I keep the dough from crumbling?
If too dry, let it rest briefly or add a teaspoon of butter until it comes together.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce added salt and adjust to taste.
How do I prevent the cherries from bleeding color?
Dry them thoroughly and pulse briefly in flour before mixing into the dough.
Can I add food coloring?
A few drops of red food coloring can give the cookies a festive blush.
Why is my shortbread tough?
Overmixing the flour can toughen the dough. Mix only until combined.
Can I bake them crispier?
Yes, extend baking time by 2–3 minutes for a firmer, crunchier cookie.
Conclusion
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies combine buttery richness with festive flavor, creating a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Their vibrant cherry-studded appearance makes them standouts on any cookie tray, while their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture keeps them irresistible. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and numerous variation possibilities, these cookies are ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned holiday enthusiasts. Whether for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying at home, they offer all the warmth, charm, and sweetness of a truly classic Christmas cookie.
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