Description
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
