Introduction
Welcome to the delicious world of Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies! If you’re looking for a festive and delightful treat to enjoy during the holiday season, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With their buttery texture, sweet cherry flavor, and festive red color, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or giving as edible gifts. In this article, we’ll explore the magic of these cookies, from their history to the step-by-step instructions for making them. Get ready to indulge in the holiday spirit with these mouthwatering treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a batch of these cookies that will impress everyone. The buttery and crumbly texture of the shortbread pairs perfectly with the sweet and slightly tangy maraschino cherries, creating a flavor combination that is simply irresistible. These cookies are also incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed by everyone, as they are naturally gluten-free. Whether you have dietary restrictions or not, these cookies are a holiday treat that will delight all taste buds!
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delightful Christmas cookies:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until well combined.
4. Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and almond extract. The dough will turn a lovely shade of pink!
5. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log, about 2 inches in diameter.
6. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Remove the chilled dough logs from the refrigerator and slice them into 1/4-inch-thick rounds.
9. Place the cookie rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
11. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, store the Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to ensure that your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies turn out perfectly:
– Use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the cookies.
– Make sure the butter is softened, but not melted. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
– Drain the maraschino cherries well before chopping them to avoid adding excess moisture to the dough.
– If the dough becomes too soft while shaping it into logs, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm it up.
– If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can add a bit more almond extract to the dough.
Variations and Substitutions
While these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are absolutely delicious as is, you can also get creative and customize the recipe to suit your preferences:
– Chocolate lovers can add a twist by stirring in some mini chocolate chips into the dough.
– For a nutty flavor, you can replace the almond extract with vanilla extract and add a half cup of finely chopped almonds to the dough.
– If maraschino cherries aren’t your thing, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Christmas cookies are perfect for enjoying on their own with a cup of hot cocoa or a festive holiday drink. They also make a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert table. For an extra special treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle them with a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?
A: Absolutely! You can shape the dough into logs and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped logs in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply slice the frozen dough logs and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: While maraschino cherries lend a unique flavor and color to these cookies, you can certainly experiment with fresh cherries. Just make sure to remove the pits and finely chop the cherries before adding them to the dough.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to 1 month.
Final Thoughts
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. With their buttery texture, sweet cherry flavor, and festive appearance, they are sure to become a favorite holiday treat for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, a festive gathering, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies will bring joy and cheer to your holiday season. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the magic of these delicious cookies!
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. With their buttery texture, sweet cherry flavor, and festive appearance, they are sure to become a favorite holiday treat for you and your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Directions
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
-
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until well combined.
-
Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and almond extract. The dough will turn a lovely shade of pink!
-
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log, about 2 inches in diameter.
-
Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Remove the chilled dough logs from the refrigerator and slice them into 1/4-inch-thick rounds.
-
Place the cookie rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
-
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Once cooled, store the Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.