Description

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and bursting with festive flavors. Infused with chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, these delightful cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations. The dough is chilled for easy slicing, then baked to a delicate golden finish, offering a wonderful balance of sweetness and rich textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and well-drained
2/3 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

Prepare the Butter Mixture: Beat the room temperature unsalted butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, forming a creamy base for the dough.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add them into the butter mixture while kneading the dough gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Add Cherries and Chocolate: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips evenly into the dough, ensuring every bite is flavorful and festive.
Chill the Dough: Place the dough on a piece of cling film, form it into a log shape by pressing with your hands, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up for easy slicing.
Slice and Bake: After chilling, cut the dough log into round slices of desired thickness and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving plate to ensure they hold their shape perfectly.

Notes

If the butter is too cold or hard, cut it into pieces and soften briefly in the microwave to make mixing easier.
Using small chocolate chips or drops helps keep the dough log intact and makes slicing easier.
Chill the dough thoroughly for at least one hour to facilitate clean cutting and prevent crumbling.
If the dough crumbles or breaks apart when cutting, hold the cookies gently with your fingers to keep them together.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 25g)
Calories: 130 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 75 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 1.2 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg