These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a festive holiday classic that combines rich, buttery shortbread with sweet bursts of maraschino cherries. Soft, tender, and delicately dusted with powdered sugar, they are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for cookie platters, gift boxes, or cozy winter evenings, these cookies capture the warmth, nostalgia, and joy of the holiday season in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are wonderfully simple to make yet feel special enough for celebrations. The dough comes together with basic pantry ingredients, making it accessible even during busy holiday baking days. The texture is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the cherries add sweetness, color, and festive charm. They store well, look stunning on dessert trays, and appeal to both kids and adults, making them a reliable favorite year after year.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and well drained
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Whole maraschino cherries for topping (optional)
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth, pale, and fluffy. This step is important for achieving the tender shortbread texture.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing on low speed or by hand just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies delicate.
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the mini chocolate chips if using, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly set and the edges just begin to turn a pale golden color. The tops should remain light.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool slightly. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar. If desired, gently press a whole maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie.
Let the cookies cool completely before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on size.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
Variations
You can add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a stronger cherry-almond flavor. Finely chopped nuts such as pistachios or almonds can be mixed into the dough for added texture. For a decorative finish, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate. You can also roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for an extra snowy appearance.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. These cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheating is not necessary, but you can warm them slightly for a few seconds if desired.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
Do I need to dry the maraschino cherries?
Yes, patting the cherries dry helps prevent excess moisture in the dough.
Can I skip the chocolate chips?
Absolutely. The cookies are delicious with just cherries.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
The dough may not have been chilled long enough, or the butter was too soft.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
Are these cookies supposed to be pale?
Yes, shortbread cookies should remain light with only slightly golden edges.
Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes, once cooled, they freeze very well in an airtight container.
How do I keep them tender?
Avoid overmixing the dough and do not overbake.
Can I make them smaller?
Yes, simply reduce the baking time by 1–2 minutes.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes, they hold their shape well and look festive in gift tins or boxes.
Conclusion
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that brings together buttery richness, sweet cherries, and festive beauty. Easy to prepare and delightful to share, they are perfect for creating memories in the kitchen and spreading holiday cheer. Once you bake them, they are sure to become a cherished part of your seasonal traditions.
These festive Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with sweet chopped cherries and optional chocolate chips. Perfectly dusted with powdered sugar, they make a colorful and nostalgic holiday cookie.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and well drained
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Whole maraschino cherries for topping (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add the flour and salt gradually, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips (if using).
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and tops remain pale.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar while still warm. Press a whole cherry into the center if desired.
Cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
Add 1/2 tsp almond extract for a stronger cherry flavor.
Roll dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for a snowy look.
Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elegant touch.
Make sure cherries are well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
