**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 12 minutes
**Total time:** 27 minutes
**Servings:** 24 cookies
Do you ever find yourself craving a cookie that’s not only delicious but also embodies the spirit of celebration? Enter the **Festive Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies**! These delightful little treats are a joyful twist on classic shortbread, perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or just as a sweet indulgence after a long day. With their rich buttery flavor and the sweet burst of maraschino cherries, they are bound to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.
In this recipe, you’ll discover how easy it is to whip up these cookies, what makes them so special, and how you can customize them to fit any occasion. The contrast of the crunchy shortbread texture paired with the chewy cherries creates a delightful flavor experience that will have your family and friends asking for seconds (and thirds)!
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What Are Festive Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?
**Festive Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies** are a modern interpretation of traditional shortbread cookies, infused with the sweet, juicy flavor of maraschino cherries. This delightful cookie is characterized by its crumbly texture, which melts in your mouth, thanks to a generous amount of butter.
The origin of shortbread can be traced back to Scotland, where it began as a simple bread recipe before evolving into the rich, sweet treat we know today. With added elements, such as the vibrant red maraschino cherries, these cookies not only taste fantastic but are visually appealing too. Their festive hue makes them a great choice for holiday cookie platters, birthdays, or any celebration where a touch of color and flavor is desired.
When baked, the cherries become slightly chewy, contrasting beautifully with the crispy, buttery cookie. The combination of flavors is sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion, making them a popular choice among cookie lovers of all ages. Each bite tells a story of tradition, joy, and celebration, truly making these cookies special.
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Why You’ll Love These Festive Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
There are plenty of reasons to adore these **Festive Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies**. Here are just a few:
– **Delicious Flavor:** The buttery richness combined with the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of maraschino cherries creates a uniquely satisfying taste experience. It balances sweetness without overpowering the rich flavor of the butter and sugar.
– **Easy to Make:** This recipe is beginner-friendly, making it perfect for novice bakers or busy parents looking for a doable cookie recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have cookies ready in no time.
– **Versatile:** These cookies can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re serving them at a casual family gathering or packaging them as gifts during the holiday season, they’ll fit right in.
– **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients required for these cookies are simple and economical. You likely have many of them already stocked in your pantry, making this a cost-effective sweet treat.
– **Customizable:** Feel free to switch up the flavors by using different types of cherries or adding extra ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips. The recipe serves as a great base that can lead to endless variations.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
– **1 cup unsalted butter, softened**
– *Role:* Provides richness and flavor, helping create the perfect crumbly texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
– *Substitutes:* If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter.
– **½ cup granulated sugar**
– *Role:* Adds sweetness and aids in tenderizing the dough by absorbing moisture.
– *Substitution Tips:* You can use powdered sugar for a softer texture, or experiment with alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar.
– **2 cups all-purpose flour**
– *Role:* The main structure of the cookie, flour gives it that necessary body.
– *Substitutes:* You can substitute gluten-free flour blend if needed or use almond flour for a nutty flavor (note that texture may vary).
– **½ teaspoon salt**
– *Role:* Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
– *Variations:* You can use sea salt for a more pronounced flavor, but avoid infusing your dough with additional spices.
– **½ teaspoon almond extract**
– *Role:* Adds an aromatic quality, complementing the cherries beautifully.
– *Substitutes:* Use vanilla extract if almond isn’t your preference.
– **¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries**
– *Role:* The star ingredient, providing sweetness and the festive color.
– *Tips:* Pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
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How to Make Festive Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these irresistible cookies:
1. **Preheat the Oven**
– Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugar**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed and cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes around 2-3 minutes. Be patient; this step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the dough.
3. **Add Vanilla and Almond Extracts**
– Mix in the *almond extract* (or vanilla, if using) until fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture. You’ll notice a lovely aroma start to fill your kitchen at this stage!
4. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients**
– Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. It’s essential not to overmix at this point, as overworking the dough can result in a tough cookie. You want the flour to be just absorbed with the wet ingredients.
5. **Fold in the Cherries**
– Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries using a spatula or wooden spoon. Distributing the cherries evenly will ensure every cookie has its burst of flavor. Be cautious not to overmix, as the cherries can break and color the dough.
6. **Form the Cookies**
– Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of dough onto *ungreased baking sheets*, leaving some space between each cookie (about 2 inches) to allow for slight spreading during baking. If desired, you can flatten the dough mounds a little to achieve a more uniform cookie shape.
7. **Bake in the Preheated Oven**
– Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly.
8. **Cool on a Wire Rack**
– Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them become crispier and easier to handle.
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5 Variations & Substitutions
1. **Chocolate Cherry Shortbread**
– You can add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolate-cherry combination. This change enriches the flavor and adds a delightful texture that chocolate lovers will enjoy, making it perfect for holiday cookie trays.
2. **Nutty Shortbread**
– Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into your dough. This variation provides a satisfying crunch and a deeper flavor profile, appealing especially to those who enjoy a nutty taste in their cookies.
3. **Lemon Zest Addition**
– For a refreshing twist, add the zest of one lemon to the dough. This brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness of the cherries perfectly, making it ideal for spring and summer gatherings.
4. **Dipped in Chocolate**
– After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and place them on parchment paper to set. Not only does this add to the visual appeal, but it also enhances the flavor, adding a luxurious layer to the cookies.
5. **Coconut Cherry Shortbread**
– Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical note. The coconut pairs beautifully with the cherries, creating an exotic flavor that consumers will love and giving a different texture to your cookies.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
While baking **Festive Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies**, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls:
– **Using Cold Butter:** If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar, leading to dense cookies. Always use softened butter, ideally at room temperature, for the best consistency and texture.
– **Overmixing the Dough:** Once you add the flour, be cautious not to overmix. Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined, keeping that light, crumbly texture in mind.
– **Oven Temperature Fluctuations:** Preheating your oven properly is crucial. If your oven isn’t hot enough, it can change the baking time and affect the final texture of your cookies. An oven thermometer can help ensure your temperatures are accurate.
– **Not Measuring Flour Correctly:** Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to prevent packing it down. Too much flour can make cookies dry.
– **Ignoring Cooling Time:** Allow the cookies to cool fully on racks after baking. This step helps the cookies retain their crispness and prevents them from becoming soggy.
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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Ensuring the longevity of your **Festive Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies** is easy with the right storage methods:
– **Storage:** Once completely cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week, maintaining their delightful flavors and textures.
– **Freezing:** For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies. To freeze the cookie dough, scoop portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Baked cookies can also be frozen in a similar manner. They last for up to three months.
– **Reheating:** If you’d like to enjoy them warm, reheat baked cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven until just warmed. Avoid overcooking to retain the texture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. **Can I use different types of cherries?**
– Absolutely! While maraschino cherries are commonly used for their sweetness and vibrant color, feel free to experiment with other varieties such as fresh cherries, dried cherries, or even cranberries. Just be mindful of moisture level, especially with fresh fruits.
2. **How do I know when the cookies are done baking?**
– The cookies will be ready when the edges turn a light golden brown. Keep in mind that they might look a bit soft when taken out, but they will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them for the best texture.
3. **What if my dough seems too dry or crumbly?**
– If your dough doesn’t come together when mixed, it might need a splash of milk or water — one tablespoon at a time — until the desired consistency is reached. Ensure you’re not adding too much liquid, or the texture may turn out different.
4. **Can I make these cookies ahead of time?**
– Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze the dough for longer storage. Just make sure to let it soften slightly before rolling and baking.
5. **Do I have to use almond extract?**
– While almond extract enhances the cookies’ flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or even omit it entirely for a more straightforward shortbread taste. The cookies will still turn out delicious!
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With this Festive Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies recipe, you’re now equipped to bake a delicious treat that brings joyous flavors and beautiful colors to your table. Whether you’re enjoying them during the holiday season or any day of the week, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Now it’s time to preheat your oven and create a sweet experience in your kitchen. Share your cookies with loved ones, and you just might inspire new traditions and memories. Happy baking!
[Read also: Easy Dessert Recipes for Beginners]
