Cheerful Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Joy

Delightful christmas cherry shortbread cookies dance between classic comfort and festive cheer.

Sweet memories emerge from my grandmother’s kitchen, where crisp buttery edges always promised joy.

Bright red cherries peek through delicate golden surfaces, creating visual magic on every plate.

Crumbly and rich, these cookies whisper winter celebration with each tender bite.

Melting moments of pure happiness await when you mix simple ingredients into extraordinary treats.

The kitchen becomes a warm sanctuary where traditions sparkle and love bakes perfectly.

Gather close and let these magical morsels inspire your holiday baking adventure.

Why Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Are A Festive Favorite

• Burst with Festive Charm: These cherry shortbread cookies scream holiday spirit with their vibrant red specks and sugary coating, making them a perfect treat for Christmas gatherings.
• Master with Minimal Skills: Beginners can confidently create these cookies, as the recipe requires simple mixing and basic shaping techniques that anyone can handle without stress.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these delightful cookies in under 30 minutes, allowing you to spend more time enjoying festivities with family and friends instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Beyond Christmas, these cookies work wonderfully for potlucks, office parties, or as a sweet homemade gift that will impress everyone with their delicate flavor and beautiful appearance.

Ingredients Breakdown For Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Flour: The primary structure-giving ingredient that provides the classic shortbread cookie texture.

• Almond Extract: Adds a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the cherries.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Chopped Cherries: Provides bursts of fruity flavor and festive red color.

• Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Used for rolling and coating the cookies, adding a sweet crunch and decorative touch.

Instructions For Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Prepare your oven by setting the temperature to 325°F (165°C), creating the perfect cozy environment for baking delightful Christmas cherry shortbread cookies.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or whisk. Beat until the mixture becomes airy, light, and beautifully fluffy.

Step 3: Build Cookie Foundation

• Salt
• Almond extract
• All-purpose flour

Blend everything thoroughly until a smooth, consistent dough forms.

Step 4: Incorporate Festive Cherries

Gently fold chopped cherries into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture to create bursts of fruity flavor.

Step 5: Shape Sweet Treats

Roll the dough into small, 1-inch round balls. Coat each ball completely in granulated sugar, giving them a sparkling, festive appearance.

Step 6: Create Cookie Texture

Place sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet. Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating classic shortbread crosshatch patterns.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookie edges turn a delicate, light golden brown.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.

Helpful Hints For Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Swap maraschino cherries with dried cherries for a more intense, tangy flavor that adds depth to the shortbread.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect cookie shape during baking.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal from the baking sheet.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with wax paper to maintain their delicate texture.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.

Alternative Versions For Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Chocolate Cherry Decadence: Replace half the flour with cocoa powder and add dark chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent version of the classic shortbread.
• Nutty Cherry Crunch: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans before shaping the cookies for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Citrus Cherry Sparkle: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough and sprinkle with powdered sugar after cooling for a bright, zesty cookie experience.
• Coconut Cherry Bliss: Fold in shredded coconut and roll the cookies in toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired treat.

Pairing Options For Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Pair with Sparkling Moscato: Select a sweet, bubbly Moscato wine that complements the cookie's cherry flavor and enhances its delicate almond notes.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Latte: Create a creamy, warm coffee drink that balances the buttery shortbread and highlights the subtle cherry sweetness.
• Match with White Chocolate Mousse: Design a light, airy dessert that echoes the cookie's texture and provides a complementary richness to the crisp shortbread base.
• Accompany with Cinnamon Chai Tea: Brew a spiced tea that adds warm depth to the cookie's delicate flavor profile and provides a cozy winter beverage experience.

Proper Storage Tips For Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing crumbling.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Keep cookies in sealed container at normal room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious.
• Warm cookies gently in microwave for 8-10 seconds or briefly in oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore original texture and warmth.

FAQs On Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Can I use maraschino cherries instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, you can substitute maraschino cherries. Just drain them well and pat dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

• Why do I need to roll the cookies in granulated sugar?

Rolling the cookies in granulated sugar creates a sweet, crispy exterior and adds a nice textural crunch to the shortbread cookies.

• What if I don't have almond extract?

You can substitute vanilla extract or skip it entirely. Almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor, but the cookies will still be delicious without it.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not too soft, and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping and baking to help maintain the cookie’s shape.

Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas cherry shortbread cookies bring holiday cheer with their delicate crumb and sweet cherry accents. Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats will delight guests and spark joyful memories of seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Shortbread Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 grams)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling

Flavoring and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Fruit Addition:

• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 325F (165C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent baking.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, whip butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous, creating a smooth base.
3. Incorporate salt, almond extract, and flour into the creamed mixture, stirring until all components are thoroughly integrated and form a cohesive dough.
4. Delicately introduce chopped cherries into the dough, gently folding to distribute them evenly without crushing the fruit.
5. Craft the dough into small spherical shapes, each approximately 1 inch in diameter, rolling them in granulated sugar to create a sparkling exterior.
6. Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet, using the tines of a fork to gently press down and create a distinctive flattened pattern.
7. Transfer the prepared sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a subtle golden hue along the cookie edges as an indicator of doneness.
8. Once removed from the oven, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, which helps them set and prevents breaking.
9. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature and achieve the perfect shortbread texture.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie structure.
• Use maraschino or dried cherries for vibrant color and extra sweetness in the shortbread.
• Swap almond extract with vanilla for a classic flavor or experiment with other extracts like orange for unique taste variations.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 134 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 29 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg