Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction:

If you’re looking for a festive, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth cookie for your holiday baking or gifting, these Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a perfect choice! These cookies combine the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread with the sweetness of maraschino cherries and the richness of chocolate chips, making them an irresistible treat. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday gifting, or even freezing ahead for future celebrations, these cookies are sure to become a crowd favorite.

In this recipe, you’ll find an easy-to-follow guide to make buttery shortbread cookies loaded with maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup powdered sugar
½ tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup maraschino cherries, chopped (make sure to drain them well)
⅔ cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Start by draining the maraschino cherries thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Chop them into small pieces and set them aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until everything is just combined. The dough will be thick and crumbly at this stage.

Step 4: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips with a spatula, being careful not to break up the cherries too much.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Divide the dough into small portions (about 1-inch balls) and roll them between your hands to form cookie balls. If you prefer, you can also gently press the dough into a log shape and slice it into rounds.
Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. You can gently press the tops of the cookies with a fork or your fingers to flatten them slightly.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as shortbread cookies are best when they are still pale in color.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Methods:

The process of making these cookies is relatively straightforward, with the primary method being mixing and folding. The trick to great shortbread is the careful handling of the dough — avoid overworking it, as shortbread should be delicate. The butter needs to be softened to ensure that it incorporates well into the dough, resulting in that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

History of Shortbread Cookies:

Shortbread is a traditional Scottish biscuit that dates back to the 12th century. Originally, it was made with leftover bread dough that was sweetened and baked a second time to create a crisp, dry texture. Over the centuries, shortbread evolved, becoming the rich, buttery treat we know today. It was typically reserved for special occasions, like Christmas or weddings, and often flavored with ingredients like vanilla, almonds, or citrus zest.

The introduction of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips into the shortbread mix is a modern twist that combines classic flavors with a festive touch. Maraschino cherries, originally a byproduct of the cherry preservation process, became widely popular in desserts and cocktails in the early 20th century. When paired with chocolate chips, they elevate the otherwise simple shortbread into something indulgent and celebratory.

Formation and Variations:

Shortbread dough can be shaped in many ways: rounds, logs, rectangles, or even as intricate cut-out shapes for special holidays. While this recipe uses maraschino cherries and chocolate chips for a modern update, you can easily adjust the flavor profile. For example:

Nuts: Add chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Spices: Include a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth.
Dried Fruit: Instead of maraschino cherries, try dried cranberries or raisins for a different flavor profile.

The beauty of shortbread lies in its versatility — you can adapt it to suit any season or occasion!

Conclusion:

These Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery, tender shortbread and the sweet, tart pop of cherries, with the added indulgence of chocolate chips. They’re simple to make, but so impressive in both flavor and presentation. Whether you’re looking to fill up your Christmas cookie tray, gift a batch to a friend, or just enjoy a festive treat with a cup of tea, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.

A Cookie for Lovers (or Just Those Who Love Cookies!)

Who wouldn’t fall in love with a cookie that combines such irresistible flavors? Maraschino cherries add a sweet tartness, while chocolate chips bring in that classic comforting flavor we all adore. These cookies make for great romantic gestures, too — bake them for someone special, and they’re sure to be a hit! You can even get creative and shape the dough into heart-shaped cookies for Valentine’s Day, or simply share them with loved ones during the holiday season.

Whether you’re a shortbread purist or you like to experiment with modern twists, this Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookie recipe is bound to bring joy to both the baker and the cookie lover alike!