Description
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, perfect for festive gatherings or as gifts. The buttery shortbread base is studded with sweet maraschino cherries and optional chocolate chips, creating a delicious and colorful cookie that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and optional chocolate chips.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat and Shape: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly with a glass.
- Bake: Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and Dust: Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar while warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar.
- For a more pronounced cherry flavor, try adding a splash of maraschino cherry juice to the dough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas, Maraschino Cherry, Shortbread Cookies, Holiday Baking
