Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

As the holiday season blankets the air with cheer, the kitchen becomes a sanctuary of warmth and enticing aromas. One bite into a Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookie transports me back to cherished family gatherings, where sweet laughter mingles with the scent of freshly baked treats. The rich, buttery flavor dances harmoniously with the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries, creating a festive delight that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

These cookies, with their vibrant red flecks, are a wonderful treat to share, whether at a potluck or as a heartfelt gift. What I love most about this recipe is its effortless charm—it comes together in just a few simple steps, leaving you time to enjoy the company of loved ones or sip on your favorite holiday beverage. Join me as we celebrate the season with these irresistible cookies that promise to leave everyone reaching for more!

Why are Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies a must-try?

Irresistible Flavor: The buttery richness paired with the sweet maraschino cherries creates a unique taste that’s simply delightful.

Festive Appearance: With their vibrant red flecks, these cookies are not only delicious but also a stunning addition to any holiday table.

Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Versatile Treat: Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of cocoa or as part of a festive cookie platter, they adapt beautifully to any occasion.

Great for Sharing: Perfect for gifting or sharing at potlucks, these cookies will have friends and family craving seconds!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

• For the Batter

Butter – Provides richness and a tender texture; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure; can substitute with a sugar alternative for reduced sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base and contributes to the crumbly texture; gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free version.
Maraschino Cherries – Adds moisture, sweetness, and festive color; use chopped cherries to integrate them evenly into the dough.
Mini Chocolate Chips (optional) – Introduces a rich, chocolatey flavor that complements the cherries; feel free to omit or use dark chocolate for a deeper taste.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor complexity, adding depth to the sweetness.

These ingredients combine beautifully to create the irresistible Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies that everyone will adore!

How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it warm and ready for baking these delightful cookies.
Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes!
Mix in the vanilla extract, stirring well to enhance the cookie’s flavor and create a wonderful aroma.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms. Take care not to overmix to ensure a tender cookie!
Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries along with any optional mini chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each ball for spreading.
Flatten each ball slightly using a fork or your hand to help them bake evenly and to give them a lovely shape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. This is when your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
Cool the cookies on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving, allowing them to maintain their delightful shape and texture.

Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra festive touch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but they may become a bit drier.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, bringing back that delightful softness of these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies.

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with these fun twists!

Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and rich flavor that elevates the cookies.
Fruity Charm: Swap in dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and tartness that beautifully complements the sweetness.
Almond Twist: Replace half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a warm, nutty undertone that adds a lovely flavor complexity.
Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough for a refreshing citrus note that brightens up each bite.
Cocoa Kisses: Mix in cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate-flavored shortbread, offering a rich twist that pairs wonderfully with cherries.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, holiday spice that enhances the festive spirit.
Sandy Texture: Roll the cookie balls in coarse sugar before baking, creating a delightful crunchy exterior that contrasts with the tender inside.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate on top after cooling for an indulgent finish that adds both flavor and an elegant look.

These variations turn your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies into an exciting array of flavors, perfect for any holiday gathering!

What to Serve with Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?

These delightful cookies bring a pop of color and sweetness to your holiday table, but let’s enhance the experience with some thoughtful pairings.

Rich Hot Cocoa: This creamy drink complements the buttery cookies beautifully, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere for chilly evenings.
Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich, robust flavors of coffee contrast the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite feel indulgent and satisfying.
Eggnog: This festive beverage adds a creamy, spiced flavor that positively harmonizes with the maraschino cherries, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop on the side elevates the cookie-dipping experience, adding a refreshing, creamy element that balances the cookie’s buttery taste.
Spiced Tea: The warming spices in chai or cinnamon tea work beautifully with the cherry flavor, creating a comforting pairing for afternoon enjoyment.
Baked Brie: For a savory option, serve warm, gooey baked brie topped with honey and nuts, it nicely contrasts with the sweet cookies, offering a delightful sweet-salty balance.
Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or oranges add a light, zesty note that refreshes the palate between bites of cookies—perfect for a festive dessert table.
Holiday Punch: A fruity punch adds a festive flair and complements the sweet notes of the cookies while providing a refreshing sip between nibbles.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to embrace the holiday spirit without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and shaping it into balls. Simply refrigerate the dough in an airtight container to maintain its quality and prevent the dough from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the chilled dough directly onto a baking sheet and follow the baking instructions. This simple prep makes it easy to whip up a batch of festive cookies whenever you need them, keeping family traditions alive without the stress!

Expert Tips for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this ensures a creamy texture that contributes to the cookies’ lightness.
Don’t Overmix: Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together to prevent tough cookies—keep the tenderness that the Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are known for.
Chopped Cherries: Dice maraschino cherries into small pieces to distribute their sweetness evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor.
Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack; this helps them maintain their shape and prevents breakage.
Make Ahead: Bake these cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to enhance flavors—enjoy their delightful taste even days later!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for those that are brightly colored and plump. Avoid those with dark spots or a faded appearance, as it may indicate they are past their prime. The best cherries for this recipe should be vibrant and free from excessive syrup—this ensures the cookies are both flavorful and visually appealing.

How should I store my Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you’re in a humid environment, you may want to refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks—though they might become a tad drier.

Can I freeze the Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze these delightful cookies, I recommend first arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their delightful softness.

What if my cookie dough feels too dry?
If you find your dough is dry and crumbly instead of cohesive, it could be that the butter wasn’t softened enough, or it may have been overmixed. I recommend adding a teaspoon of milk or water, mixing gently until it comes together. Always handle the dough with care and avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep your cookies tender and delicious.

Are these cookies suitable for people with gluten allergies?
Yes! You can easily make gluten-free Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be aware that the texture and flavor might vary slightly from traditional shortbread, but it will still be scrumptious and festive!