Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbreads
There’s something magical about the combination of butter, sugar, and maraschino cherries in these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbreads. This festive treat is not only delicious, but it also brings a vibrant splash of color and flavor to your holiday cookie platter. As someone who has spent countless hours in the kitchen perfecting cookies for friends and family, I assure you that these shortbreads will become a beloved addition to your holiday traditions.
Why Make This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The sweet and slightly tangy taste of maraschino cherries pairs perfectly with the rich buttery shortbread, creating a unique cookie experience.
- Festive Presentation: The bright red cherries provide a beautiful visual contrast, making these cookies perfect for Christmas parties or gift giving.
- Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, even beginner bakers can whip these up without a hitch.
- Versatile Treat: These shortbreads are perfect for pairing with coffee or tea, making them a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.
- Personal Connection: I love making these cookies because they remind me of baking with my grandmother during the holidays—a sweet tradition passed down through generations.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
This recipe involves mixing the ingredients to create a dough, shaping, and baking them until golden, yielding soft, crumbly cookies that melt in your mouth.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first tried making these shortbreads, I struggled a bit with the dough being too crumbly. After a few attempts, I discovered that letting the butter soften more helped create the perfect consistency. It’s amazing how small adjustments can lead to great results!
How to Make Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbreads
To start, you will mix softened butter with sugar until it’s light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender texture. Then, gradually add flour and cornstarch, which contribute to that signature crumbly texture. The maraschino cherries come into play last, adding both flavor and that festive pop of red. You can expect the sweet aroma of cookies wafting through your kitchen as they bake.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. This helps achieve the right texture when creaming with sugar.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes before shaping. This will make it easier to handle and help keep the cookies from spreading too much.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be golden around the edges and soft in the center. They’ll harden as they cool.
- Adjust Cherry Quantity to Taste: Feel free to add more or fewer cherries depending on your preference! Just remember, too many can alter the dough’s texture.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for good quality butter and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
How to Serve Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbreads
These delightful cookies can be served in various ways:
- Cookie Platters: Arrange them alongside other holiday cookies for a festive spread.
- Gift Giving: Package them in decorative tins for thoughtful, homemade holiday gifts.
- Accompaniments: Serve with a side of whipped cream cheese dip or alongside a warm cup of cocoa.
- Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch before serving.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store your shortbreads in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze well for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds. Avoid reheating in the oven to maintain their tender texture.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for a gluten-free variant.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Cocoa Shortbreads: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour mix for a chocolate-flavored version.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch.
Nutritional Highlights
These Maraschino Cherry Shortbreads provide a tasty treat with moderate amounts of sugar and fat, making them best enjoyed in moderation. Each cookie contains around 80 calories, offering a satisfying taste without overwhelming your daily caloric intake. Note that they do contain gluten and may not be suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dough Too Crumbly: If your dough crumbles, it might be due to excess flour. Try adding a teaspoon of water or milk to bring it together.
- Cookies Spread Too Much: Ensure that your butter isn’t too warm, and chill the dough before baking for better shape.
- Overbaked Cookies: Keep an eye on the timer. Even one minute can make a difference; they should be just golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to pit and chop them finely. Fresh cherries may alter the moisture content, so consider adding a bit more flour.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made, wrapped, and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Simply roll and bake when you’re ready.
3. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to use, allow them to thaw at room temperature.
4. How can I enhance the flavor of the shortbreads?
Consider adding a teaspoon of almond or coconut extract along with the vanilla for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbreads
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious buttery shortbreads studded with sweet maraschino cherries, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the flour and cornstarch until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and vanilla extract.
- Chill the dough for 15-30 minutes if it feels too soft.
- Scoop tablespoons of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American