Jolly Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Sweet Joy

Delicate christmas cherry shortbread cookies bring a whimsical touch to holiday baking adventures.

Sweet maraschino cherries peek through buttery dough like festive jewels.

Crisp edges and tender centers promise a delightful texture that melts in you.

Grandmothers and professional bakers treasure these simple yet elegant treats.

Winter celebrations shine brighter with these charming little confections.

Each bite carries memories of cozy kitchen moments and shared laughter.

Gather your ingredients and let magic happen in your oven.

Best Pairings for Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Complement the sweet cherry shortbread with a light, bubbly red wine that echoes the fruity notes and cuts through the buttery richness.
• Brew a creamy hot chocolate topped with marshmallows to enhance the cookie's warm, festive flavors and provide a cozy contrast.
• Craft a smooth, aromatic latte with vanilla undertones that harmonizes with the delicate sweetness of the cherry shortbread cookies.
• Warm a mug of cinnamon-infused apple cider to create a nostalgic winter drink that beautifully highlights the cookie's seasonal charm.

Variations for Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cherry Shortbread: Replace regular flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cherry Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based margarine, replacing eggs with a flax egg substitute to create a dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Shortbread: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of traditional sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Nut-Free Holiday Cookies: Eliminate nuts completely and add extra candied cherries or white chocolate chips for added texture and festive appeal.

Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies FAQs

• Why use candied cherries in shortbread cookies?

Candied cherries add a festive touch, sweet burst of flavor, and vibrant color to traditional shortbread, making these cookies perfect for holiday celebrations.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This makes holiday baking more convenient and flexible.

• What type of butter works best for this recipe?

Use high-quality, unsalted butter at room temperature for the richest flavor and best texture. European-style butter with higher fat content can make the shortbread even more delicious.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking, and ensure your butter isn’t too soft. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

What Sets Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Apart

• Perfect for spreading Christmas cheer with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Whip up these delightful cookies in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy holiday bakers who want impressive results without complex techniques.
• Involve kids in rolling dough balls and decorating, turning cookie-making into a fun, memorable holiday activity that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
• These shortbread cookies work wonderfully as homemade gifts, dessert table additions, or sweet treats for unexpected holiday guests, offering a classic flavor that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Butter and Sugar:- Butter, Sugar: The foundation of shortbread cookies, providing rich flavor and tender texture. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness and high-quality granulated sugar for sweetness.

Flour and Salt:- All-Purpose Flour, Salt: Creates the classic shortbread base and balances flavors. Choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best results and use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Flavor Enhancers:

Candied Cherries:- Candied Cherries: Adds festive color and sweet-tart flavor to the cookies. Red candied cherries work best for a Christmas theme, providing visual appeal and holiday spirit.

Nuts:- Chopped Nuts: Optional ingredient for extra crunch and nutty depth. Pecans or walnuts complement the cherry flavor beautifully, adding texture to the shortbread.

Finishing Touches:

Flavor Additions:- Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor to the shortbread. Use pure vanilla extract for the richest taste.

Dusting:- Powdered Sugar: Optional finishing touch for extra sweetness and festive snow-like appearance. Sifted powdered sugar creates a delicate, elegant look on the cookies.

Baking Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 325F (165C). Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer to blend softened butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy, around 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers

Mix in vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Create Cookie Base

Slowly incorporate flour and salt on low mixer speed until dough forms.

Step 5: Fold in Delightful Extras

• Chopped candied cherries
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Step 6: Shape Cookie Rounds

Scoop dough and roll into small balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Flatten Cookie Surfaces

• Bottom of a glass
• Fingertips

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide sheets into oven and bake 15-18 minutes until edges turn light golden.

Step 9: Cool and Rest Cookies

Remove from oven. Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes.

Step 10: Transfer and Finish

Move cookies to wire rack. Cool completely.

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Top Tips for Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Ensure butter is at room temperature by leaving it out for 30-45 minutes before baking, creating a smoother, more uniform dough texture.
• Choose Quality Cherries: Select bright, vibrant candied cherries without excess syrup to prevent soggy cookie dough and maintain crisp shortbread consistency.
• Control Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made, ensuring consistent golden edges.
• Prevent Burning: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking, as shortbread can quickly transition from golden to overdone, checking for light golden edges as the key doneness indicator.
• Customize Texture: Gently press cookie balls with a fork or glass bottom to create decorative patterns and control thickness, allowing for crispier or softer cookie variations based on personal preference.

Store Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies the Smart Way

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 275F (135C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent softening the delicate shortbread.
• Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to help maintain the cookies' texture and prevent them from becoming too dry.

Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas cherry shortbread cookies offer a delightful blend of buttery richness and sweet holiday cheer. Crimson cherries dot these crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth treats that will enchant guests with their classic seasonal charm.

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Ingredients

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Shortbread Base:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Decorative Ingredients:

• ½ cup (75g) chopped red and green candied cherries
• ¼ cup (30g) finely chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by warming the oven to 325F (165C) and arranging parchment paper on two baking trays for optimal cookie preparation.
2. Cream softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 2 minutes, ensuring a smooth consistency.
3. Incorporate vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly.
4. Gradually integrate flour and salt into the mixture, using low-speed mixing until the dough begins to form a cohesive texture.
5. Gently fold chopped candied cherries and optional nuts into the dough, distributing ingredients uniformly without overworking the mixture.
6. Form the dough into small, uniform spheres using a tablespoon measure, placing each ball approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Delicately flatten each cookie sphere using the bottom of a glass or fingertips, creating a gentle, even surface.
8. Position the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges as an indicator of perfect doneness.
9. Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, enabling them to firm up slightly.
10. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach complete room temperature.
11. Optional final touch: dust cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant, festive presentation.

Notes

• Choose room temperature butter for easier mixing and smoother cookie texture.
• Chop candied cherries finely to distribute sweet, tangy flavor evenly throughout the shortbread.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Swap nuts with alternative mix-ins like white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for different flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 131
• Sugar: 4.2 g
• Sodium: 0.1 mg
• Fat: 8.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 5.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14.9 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1.6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg