Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Christmas Cookies
Meta Description: Bake a batch of these delightful Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Christmas Cookies for your holiday festivities! With their bright cherry flavor and buttery texture, they’re sure to be a hit!
Keywords: Cherry Shortbread Cookies, Christmas Cookie Recipe, Holiday Baking, Maraschino Cherry Desserts
Introduction: Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Christmas Cookies! Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or as a special treat for Santa, these cookies combine the rich, buttery flavor of shortbread with the sweet tang of maraschino cherries. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these cookies will add a pop of color and flavor to any holiday table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Green or red sugar sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate:
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or decorate with colored sugar sprinkles if desired.
Conclusion: Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Christmas Cookies are not only a delicious addition to your holiday baking lineup but also a cheerful way to spread the festive spirit. Their buttery texture and cherry sweetness make them a favorite year after year.
Nutritional Breakdown: Per cookie (assuming 24 cookies per batch):
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Fiber: 0.4 grams
Health Benefits:
- Energy Boosting: The carbohydrates in these cookies provide a quick source of energy, making them a great treat during busy holiday preparations.
- Mood Enhancing: The sweet flavors and satisfying texture can help improve mood and bring holiday cheer.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino? Fresh cherries can be used, but ensure they are pitted and possibly sweetened slightly, as they will have a different texture and flavor profile.
- How long do these cookies keep? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Enjoy baking these charming and delicious Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Christmas Cookies that are sure to become a new holiday favorite!
