Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are delightful, buttery, and slightly sweet treats that are perfect for the holiday season. They are often adorned with bits of maraschino cherries, which not only add a pop of festive color but also a subtle cherry flavor. Here’s a recipe to make these delicious cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, well-drained and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red or green decorating sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the finely chopped maraschino cherries and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. The mixture may look a bit curdled at this stage due to the moisture from the cherries; that’s okay.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until the ingredients are combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a log, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. If the dough is too soft to handle, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Roll the logs of dough in red or green decorating sugar if desired for a festive touch.
- Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough logs into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a festive addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or giving as gifts during the Christmas season. Enjoy!
