Introduction to Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of sweet treats that bring joy to my family. One of my absolute favorites is Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread. These delightful cookies are not only easy to whip up, but they also fill your kitchen with a warm, festive aroma. Perfect for busy moms like us, this recipe is a quick solution for those last-minute gatherings or a special treat for your loved ones. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland of flavor and cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread
This Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that taste like they came from a fancy bakery. They bake up quickly, making them perfect for those busy holiday days. Plus, the sweet, tangy cherries add a festive twist that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a treat that brings smiles all around!
Ingredients for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This is the star of the show, providing that rich, creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetener gives the cookies a melt-in-your-mouth quality. It’s finer than granulated sugar, which helps achieve that delicate shortbread texture.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, flour gives structure. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Maraschino cherries: These bright, sweet gems add a festive flair. Chop them up to distribute their flavor throughout the dough.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this aromatic essence enhances the overall flavor, making your cookies taste even more delightful.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and elevates the flavors, making each bite more satisfying.
For those who want to get creative, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of decadence. You can find all the exact measurements for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, your cookies might end up unevenly cooked, and nobody wants that!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is vital for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The air you incorporate while mixing will help your cookies rise beautifully!
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
Next, mix in the vanilla extract and salt. The vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor, while the salt balances the sweetness. It’s like a little magic that elevates your cookies from good to absolutely delicious!
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Be gentle here! Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined, and you’ll be on your way to shortbread perfection.
Step 5: Fold in the Cherries
Now, it’s time to fold in those chopped maraschino cherries. Gently mix them into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. This way, every bite will be bursting with that festive cherry flavor!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out, as they will spread a little while baking. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass for that classic shortbread look.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. Once they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack. This cooling time is essential for the cookies to set properly, so resist the urge to dive in right away!
Tips for Success
- Always use softened butter for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s key for even baking.
- Be gentle when mixing the flour to keep your cookies tender.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to shape.
- Experiment with different extracts like almond for a unique twist!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy glass or ceramic bowl works well.
- Electric mixer: Ideal for creaming butter and sugar. A whisk can work in a pinch, but it’ll take more effort!
- Baking sheet: A flat tray for baking. If you don’t have one, a large oven-safe dish will do.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Aluminum foil can be a substitute.
- Wire rack: Perfect for cooling cookies. A plate can work if you don’t have one.
Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped: After cooling, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the cherries.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Serve them on a festive platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
- For a delightful dessert spread, include these cookies alongside a selection of holiday candies and chocolates.
FAQs about Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While fresh cherries can be used, they won’t provide the same sweetness and flavor as maraschino cherries. If you choose to use fresh ones, consider adding a bit of sugar to the dough to balance the tartness.
How should I store my Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels too crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water to help bring it together. Just be careful not to add too much, or your cookies may lose their shortbread texture!
Can I add other flavors to the shortbread?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint. Just remember to keep the overall balance of flavors in mind for the best results!
Final Thoughts
Making Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories. The joy of mixing ingredients, the delightful aroma wafting through your home, and the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they savor each bite are priceless. These cookies are a sweet reminder of the holiday spirit, bringing warmth and cheer to any gathering. Whether you’re sharing them at a festive party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, they’re sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. So, roll up your sleeves and let the holiday magic begin!
Print
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread: A Festive Delight!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful shortbread cookie infused with the festive flavor of maraschino cherries, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For a festive touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
