Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread (Print version)

Buttery shortbread studded with bright red maraschino cherries for a festive holiday treat that's easy to make.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dough

01 - 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup (65 g) powdered sugar
03 - 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

→ Add-ins

07 - 3/4 cup (120 g) maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped
08 - 1/2 cup (100 g) mini chocolate chips (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
04 - Add flour and salt; mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips, if using.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
07 - Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until edges are just set and bottoms are lightly golden.
08 - Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These cookies melt in your mouth with that signature tender shortbread texture while the cherries add little bursts of sweetness throughout every bite
  • The dough comes together in under fifteen minutes and bakes up quickly, making them perfect for busy holiday mornings or last-minute cookie exchanges
02 -
  • Drying those cherries thoroughly with paper towels is absolutely critical because any lingering moisture will create soggy spots in your beautiful buttery cookies
  • Do not be alarmed if the dough feels slightly soft or sticky before chilling as this is normal for high-butter shortbread and the cookies will hold their shape perfectly once baked
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients combine more easily creating a uniform dough that bakes evenly without spreading too much
  • Measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup then leveling off with a knife for consistent results every time

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