Introduction
Christmas is a time for indulgence, and what better treat to celebrate the season than with Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies? With their buttery texture and bright pops of cherry, these cookies are not only a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table, but they also evoke the warmth of festive gatherings.
Shortbread cookies have a rich history, known for their simple yet satisfying blend of butter, sugar, and flour. This particular variation incorporates the sweetness of maraschino cherries, adding a splash of color and a unique flavor that makes these cookies even more special. As you bake, the aroma of buttery goodness fills your kitchen, enticing everyone around.
Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a sweet snack during holiday parties, these cookies will likely become a cherished tradition in your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter is the star of shortbread cookies, providing richness and a tender crumb. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the cookies, ensuring the balance of flavors is just right. - ½ cup granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the cookies and helps to achieve that desirable crisp texture. Granulated sugar contributes to the cookies' beautiful outer crust while blending well with the buttery flavor. - 2 cups all-purpose flour
Flour is the structural backbone of the cookies. All-purpose flour gives the cookies their classic shortbread texture, providing just the right amount of chewiness and crispness. - ½ teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, balancing the sweetness and richness of the butter. It also plays a role in strengthening the gluten, which can affect the texture. - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract imparts a warm, comforting flavor that complements the buttery notes. It rounds out the sweetness while providing depth to the cookie's overall taste. - ¾ cup maraschino cherries, chopped
Maraschino cherries add a vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor, making each bite of the cookie a delightful surprise. Their moisture also contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating the oven is crucial for even baking. Starting with a properly heated oven ensures that the cookies rise correctly and develop a nice golden crust. An oven thermometer can help verify that your oven reaches the desired temperature.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar.
Creaming the butter and sugar creates air pockets that will help the cookies become light and airy. Beat the mixture until it’s pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This process is vital for achieving the right texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add the salt and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Incorporating salt and vanilla at this point ensures that these flavorings are evenly distributed throughout the butter-sugar mixture. The vanilla will enhance the overall taste, while the salt will help balance the sweetness.
Step 4: Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
Adding the flour gradually helps to prevent overmixing, which can make the cookies tough. Mix just until you no longer see dry flour, ensuring a tender cookie with the perfect shortbread texture.
Step 5: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries evenly throughout the dough.
Folding in the cherries at the end allows for even distribution without overworking the dough. The cherries provide bursts of flavor and moisture, which enrich the overall cookie experience.
Step 6: Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Proper spacing is crucial to ensure that cookies have room to spread during baking. Using a cookie scoop can help you achieve uniform sizes, which promotes even baking.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Baking until the edges turn golden allows the cookies to become crisp while maintaining tenderness in the center. Keep an eye on them, as oven times may vary; they should not be overbaked.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooling on the baking sheet allows the cookies to set before being moved. If you transfer them too early, they may crumble. A wire rack promotes even cooling, helping to prevent sogginess.
A Festive Twist on a Classic Cookie
Maraschino cherries bring a festive flair to traditional shortbread cookies. The unexpected burst of flavor transforms a simple recipe into a holiday masterpiece. This joyous twist on a timeless favorite adds color and excitement, delighting both kids and adults alike.
Cookie Customization: Make It Your Own
Feel free to modify the recipe to suit your family's taste preferences! Incorporate crushed nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch or experiment with other flavors like almond extract. These cookies are versatile enough to accommodate your creative spin while still remaining delicious.
Perfect for Gift-Giving
These Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies make a wonderful gift during the holiday season. Present them in decorative tins or boxes, and they will surely bring smiles to friends and family. Homemade treats resonate with love and care, making them a cherished choice for holiday gifting.
FAQs
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough feels overly sticky, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm it up. This will make it easier to scoop and shape without losing the desired texture.
How can I adjust the sweetness if my cookies are too sweet?
If you find the cookies too sweet, consider reducing the amount of sugar the next time you make them. You can also balance the sweetness by serving them with a tart dipping sauce, like a raspberry coulis, to elevate the contrast.
Can I use dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can substitute dried cherries for maraschino cherries, but be aware that they will provide a different flavor and texture. You might want to soak them in warm water or cherry juice for a few minutes to rehydrate before adding them to the batter.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to using melted butter instead of softened butter. Ensure the butter is at room temperature and not too warm to maintain the intended shape while baking.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Doubling the recipe is perfectly fine! Just account for larger mixing bowls and baking sheets to accommodate the increased amount of dough.
What if my cookies are too thick after baking?
If your cookies are too thick, they may not have been spread properly on the baking sheet or the dough was overmixed. For the next batch, ensure proper measurements and gentle folding to maintain the cookie’s desired softness.
Conclusion
Baking these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies is more than just an enjoyable cooking project; it’s a chance to create warm memories during the festive season. As you savor each bite, you'll find that the combination of buttery shortbread and vivid cherry flavor makes this cookie a standout treat.
Whether served at family gatherings or given as gifts, these cookies embody the spirit of holiday cheer. So roll up your sleeves and bring a touch of joy to your celebration with these delightful baked goods.
Recipe Card
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.