Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Christmas Cookies

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Chill the Dough:
    • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to handle.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

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