These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, featuring buttery shortbread dough, sweet maraschino cherries, and rich chocolate chips. This easy-to-make recipe results in soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, or gifting. The vibrant red cherries and decadent chocolate add a festive touch, making these cookies not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these shortbread cookies will impress everyone with their sweet, buttery flavor and festive appeal. Perfect for your holiday celebrations!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
½ cup powdered sugar
½ tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drained well on a paper towel, or use candied cherries)
⅔ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Prepare the Butter Mixture:
- Using a mixer, beat the butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, and knead until a dough forms.
Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
Chill the Dough:
- Place the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap, shaping it into a log. Press it slightly with your hands and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Once the dough is chilled, slice it into round cookies. Place the cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve once fully cooled.

Tips

Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Drain the Cherries Well: Be sure to drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the dough, which could affect the texture.
Use a Serrated Knife: For clean slices, use a serrated knife when cutting the chilled dough into cookies.

Variations and Substitutions

Use Different Fruit: Swap maraschino cherries for dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped candied fruit for a unique twist.
Add Nuts: For a nutty crunch, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough along with the cherries and chocolate chips.
Glaze Option: Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple chocolate glaze or melted white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. You can also freeze the dough log for up to a month and slice and bake as needed.

Can I use salted butter?
While salted butter is not recommended in this recipe, if you use salted butter, simply reduce or omit the salt in the dough to balance the flavors.

Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies as part of your holiday cookie tray or give them as gifts in festive tins.
Pair with a cup of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee for a delightful treat during the holidays.
These cookies also make a sweet addition to any winter dessert table or holiday party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buttery and Delicious: The shortbread texture combined with the sweet maraschino cherries and chocolate chips creates a melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s perfect for Christmas.
Festive and Fun: The combination of red maraschino cherries and chocolate makes these cookies a visually stunning treat, ideal for holiday celebrations.
Simple and Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, these cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.