Name: Cheerful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (Room temperature); 3/4 cup Sugar (Granulated); 2 cups Flour (All-purpose); 1 cup Maraschino Cherries (Finely chopped and well-drained); 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (Optional)

As I strolled through the bustling holiday market last year, the sweet scent of baked goods wafted through the air, drawing me closer to a charming stall adorned with vibrant treats. Among them, the Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies caught my eye—little gems of buttery bliss, studded with glossy red cherries. These delightful cookies are not just easy to whip up, they also shine as crowd-pleasers during any festive gathering. With a customizable twist of adding mini chocolate chips, they take on a deeper flavor profile while remaining irresistibly pretty. Whether you’re baking for family or putting together a thoughtful gift, these cookies are sure to spread joy. Ready to recreate this holiday magic in your own kitchen? Let’s get started!

Why are these cookies a holiday must?

Vibrant Colors: Each cookie is a festive masterpiece, featuring red maraschino cherries that brighten up your cookie trays.

Buttery Goodness: The classic shortbread base ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making every bite a pure delight.

Customizable: Feel free to mix in mini chocolate chips for an extra layer of richness, creating a unique flavor twist that caters to everyone’s taste.

Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for novice bakers and busy hosts alike. You’ll have a delicious batch ready in no time!

Perfect for Gifting: Pack these delightful cookies in a beautiful tin, and they make thoughtful gifts for friends or neighbors. They’re sure to be appreciated during the holiday season!

For a bit of a change, you might also enjoy my Banana Bread Cookies or Pumpkin Sugar Cookies to mix up your baking lineup.

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies

Butter – Provides richness and tender texture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie structure; granulated sugar is perfect for classic taste.
Flour – Forms the base of the cookie; all-purpose flour is recommended for the best results.
Maraschino Cherries – Imparts a fruity flavor and festive color; use well-drained, finely chopped cherries to prevent excess moisture.
Mini Chocolate Chips (optional) – Enhance richness and add a deep chocolate flavor; dark or semi-sweet varieties work wonderfully.

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are just waiting to shine on your holiday dessert table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will ensure that your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the surface.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine room temperature butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together at medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air for a tender texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add all-purpose flour to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough. You want the dough to be soft and slightly crumbly as it starts to pull away from the bowl.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries. If desired, add in mini chocolate chips to enhance the flavor of your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Carefully mix until the cherries and chocolate are evenly distributed throughout the dough to maintain the texture.

Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the cookie dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball to allow for spreading. A medium cookie scoop makes this step easier and ensures consistent sizes for even baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as baking time may vary; the centers should appear slightly soft while the edges firm up for the perfect texture.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up for easier handling. Afterward, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their delightful crunch.

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore these creative twists to make your cookies truly your own!

Dried Fruity Swap: Use dried cranberries or apricots instead of maraschino cherries for a chewy texture and a different flavor profile. The rich sweetness of cranberries adds a festive touch to your cookies.
Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Nuts add depth while complementing the buttery shortbread beautifully, making each bite a surprise.
Chocolate Lovers: Replace mini chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or a mix of both dark and white for a luxurious treat. The blending of different chocolates creates an enticing contrast that elevates the flavor.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warm, holiday spices that enhance the overall flavor. These subtle notes create a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen and wraps your cookies in seasonal cheer.
Decorative Sprinkles: Top the cookies with colorful holiday sprinkles before baking to delight your guests with an extra festive look. It’s a fun way to add visual appeal, making the cookies as cheerful as they taste.
Cocoa Twist: Substitute a quarter of the flour for cocoa powder to create chocolate shortbread cookies with a hint of cherry. The combination of chocolate and cherries resonates with those classic flavor pairings we love during the holidays.
Zesty Citrus: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing zing that brightens up the cookies. This zest contrasts beautifully with the richness of butter and the sweetness of cherries, creating a harmonious balance.

For more delightful cookie inspirations, check out my Soft Pumpkin Cookies or the festive Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies for a delightful variation to your holiday baking!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are ideal for busy bakers looking to streamline their holiday preparations! You can mix the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing the flavors to deepen and the dough to firm up for easier scooping. Alternatively, you can form the cookie balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to space them out properly. When ready to bake, simply transfer the frozen cookie dough directly to the oven—no need to thaw—baking for about 15 minutes. This approach keeps your cookies just as delicious, ready to bring cheer to any holiday gathering!

What to Serve with Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Indulging in the sweet and buttery bliss of these festive cookies is just the beginning—let’s create a complete holiday experience.

Hot Cocoa: The rich, chocolatey notes complement the fruity cherry flavor perfectly, making it a cozy pairing for chilly nights.
Spiced Chai Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai tea brings a fragrant warmth that enhances the buttery sweetness of the cookies.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, creating a delicious balance.
Fruit Platter: Fresh, juicy fruits like oranges and strawberries add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies, making for a vibrant holiday spread.
Peppermint Mocha: For a festive twist, this seasonal drink’s minty flavor beautifully complements the sweet cherries and buttery goodness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side invites everyone to indulge, amplifying the cookies’ enjoyment.
Christmas Punch: Serve a festive punch with cranberries and citrus notes for a cheerful drink option that pairs wonderfully with the cookies’ cherry flavor.

Elevate your holiday gatherings with these delightful pairings, and watch your loved ones savor every bite!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will maintain their delightful crumbly texture and prevent them from becoming stale.

Fridge: If you prefer a firmer cookie, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies once thawed, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. A quick 5-minute warm-up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) can refresh their original texture.

Expert Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Drain Cherries Well: Ensure that maraschino cherries are thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to soggy cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: When adding flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing will result in tough cookies instead of the tender texture you want in these shortbread delights.
Cool Before Storing: Let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This prevents condensation and keeps the cookies from becoming soggy.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, which helps incorporate air and achieve a light, fluffy cookie.
Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits as variations to the Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for a unique twist that everyone will love!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select maraschino cherries?
You want to choose cherries that are firm and bright in color, avoiding any that have dark spots or look overly soft. Look for well-drained cherries, as excess moisture can affect the texture of your cookies.

How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Ensure they are completely cool before sealing them to avoid moisture build-up which can make them soggy.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or you can warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky, it might be due to the moisture from the cherries. I recommend adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a soft but manageable dough. Make sure not to overmix after adding the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
While humans love these cookies, they are not safe for pets, particularly dogs, due to the sugar and cherries. Always keep your baked goods out of reach of your furry friends to ensure their safety and well-being.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to help maintain the texture of the cookies.