Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

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I’ve always had a soft spot for buttery shortbread cookies, but when I first made these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies, something magical happened. The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookie combined with the bright sweetness of maraschino cherries made these an instant holiday favorite in my kitchen. They’re festive, nostalgic, and incredibly photogenic — the kind of treat that turns heads at cookie swaps and family gatherings.

What I love most is how easy they are to make with such elegant results. There’s something about that glossy red cherry nestled in a soft powdered sugar-dusted cookie that just feels like Christmas. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just treating yourself, these cookies bring a little sparkle to the season.

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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are everything a holiday treat should be — simple, sweet, and stunning. You’ll love the way the rich, buttery dough pairs with the juicy cherry center. They’re perfect for gifting, too, because they hold their shape and flavor beautifully. Plus, they’re a welcome twist on traditional thumbprint cookies, offering that chewy cherry pop with every bite.

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Do I Need to Use Maraschino Cherries for These Cookies?

Maraschino cherries are the star of this recipe, and they do more than just add a pop of color. Their syrupy sweetness and juicy texture balance the buttery richness of the shortbread perfectly. That said, if you’re not a fan of maraschinos, you could experiment with alternatives like candied cherries or even cherry preserves — just keep in mind the flavor and texture will shift slightly. The iconic look, however, comes from those bright red gems we all recognize during the holidays.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to tweak this recipe to suit different tastes or pantry limitations, there’s a little wiggle room:

• Butter: This recipe works best with real, unsalted butter, but a high-quality plant-based butter can be used for a dairy-free version. Just avoid margarine — it won’t yield the same texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to, but if you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend will work. You may need to chill the dough a bit longer to maintain shape.
• Sugar: Powdered sugar is ideal for a tender crumb, but if you’re in a pinch, superfine sugar can be used — just expect a slightly different texture.
• Cherries: As mentioned, maraschino cherries give that signature festive look and taste. But you could swap them with dried cherries rehydrated in cherry juice or brandy for a more adult twist.
• Flavoring: Vanilla extract is classic, but adding a few drops of almond extract takes the cherry flavor up a notch and gives these cookies a subtle marzipan note.

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Ingredients for Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Unsalted Butter
  Butter is the foundation of shortbread. It gives the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
• Powdered Sugar
  This adds sweetness while also helping create that soft, delicate crumb. Unlike granulated sugar, it dissolves seamlessly into the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour
  The structure of the cookie comes from flour. It holds everything together without making the cookies too dense.
• Cornstarch
  A secret weapon in shortbread, cornstarch contributes to the cookie’s tender, buttery texture and helps keep them from spreading too much.
• Pure Vanilla Extract
  Vanilla rounds out the sweetness and adds a subtle, warm depth of flavor that complements both the dough and the cherry.
• Salt
  Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the richness of the butter.
• Maraschino Cherries
  These are the showstoppers. Juicy, vibrant, and sweet — they sit right in the center, offering both a visual and flavorful highlight.
• Cherry Jam or Preserves (optional)
  A thin layer under the cherry adds even more cherry flavor and helps hold the cherry in place.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
  A light dusting after baking gives the cookies a snowy, festive finish — just what a Christmas cookie needs.

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step builds the base for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Then gradually add the flour and cornstarch. Mix until a soft, smooth dough forms — it should hold together without being sticky.

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Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing the cookies from spreading during baking.

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Step 4: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

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Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of each cookie.

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Step 6: Add the Cherry and Jam

If using cherry jam, add a tiny dollop into each well. Then press a maraschino cherry gently into the center of each cookie.

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Step 7: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just starting to turn golden. The tops should remain pale — don’t overbake! Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Step 8: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once completely cooled, give the cookies a light dusting of powdered sugar for that classic holiday sparkle.

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How Long to Cook Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

These cookies bake beautifully at 325°F (165°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes. The key is to watch the edges — once the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are still pale, they’re done. They’ll continue to set as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them starting around the 11-minute mark.

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures a smooth dough and the ideal shortbread texture. Cold butter won’t mix well, and melted butter will ruin the consistency.
• Pat Dry the Cherries: Before adding maraschino cherries, blot them with a paper towel to remove excess syrup. This keeps the cookie centers from becoming soggy.
• Don’t Skip Chilling: Cold dough holds its shape better in the oven, preventing cookies from spreading or cracking.
• Avoid Overworking the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the dough and affect the texture.
• Use a Light Touch: Press gently when creating the center indent — too deep and the cookie may crack.
• Bake on the Middle Rack: This helps the cookies bake evenly without browning too much on the bottom.
• Cool Completely Before Dusting: Powdered sugar melts on warm cookies — wait until they’re fully cooled to keep that beautiful snowy look.
• Store with Care: Use parchment between layers if stacking to keep them looking bakery-fresh.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple recipe like this, a few common missteps can get in the way of cookie perfection:

• Skipping the Dough Chill Time: Warm dough leads to flat, spread-out cookies. Always chill it for at least 30 minutes before shaping.
• Using Wet Cherries: If you don’t pat the cherries dry, the syrup can seep into the cookie and make the center too wet or even collapse.
• Overbaking: These cookies are meant to be pale and tender. If they start turning golden on top, they’re likely overdone.
• Using Granulated Sugar Instead of Powdered: Powdered sugar gives that fine, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Granulated sugar will make them gritty and crispier.
• Packing the Flour Too Tightly: This can lead to dense, dry cookies. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
• Not Measuring the Cherry Centers Properly: If the indent is too deep, the cookie may crack. If it’s too shallow, the cherry won’t sit securely.
• Not Letting Cookies Cool Enough: Trying to move them while warm can cause them to break apart. Let them firm up before transferring.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: These cookies are delicate and can stick to the pan. Parchment ensures easy removal.

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What to Serve With Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?

1. Hot Chocolate

Rich, creamy hot chocolate is a dreamy companion to these buttery cookies. Bonus points for marshmallows or peppermint.

2. Spiced Chai Latte

The warm spices in chai pair beautifully with the sweet-tart cherry and buttery base.

3. Eggnog

For a full holiday vibe, serve these with a chilled or warm glass of eggnog — creamy and festive!

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn these cookies into a mini dessert by serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

5. Champagne or Sparkling Wine

If you’re offering them at a party, bubbly makes them feel even more celebratory.

6. Cheese Board

They actually play well with a mild cheese like brie or camembert for a sweet-savory balance.

7. Coffee or Espresso

A shot of strong coffee brings out the rich butteriness of the cookies and balances the sweet cherry.

8. Cranberry Compote

If you’re serving these as part of a dessert platter, a spoonful of tangy compote complements the cherry perfectly.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies tasting fresh and looking beautiful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking or smudging the cherry centers.

If you want to make them ahead of time, they freeze well too. Freeze the unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed as usual.

Baked cookies can also be frozen — just let them cool completely, layer them between parchment in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one cookie (based on a batch of 24 cookies, including cherry and jam):

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 15mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 1g

Keep in mind, actual values can vary depending on the exact size of the cookies and the specific ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Just let it soften slightly before shaping.

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Do I have to use cherry jam under the maraschino cherry?

No, it’s optional — but it adds an extra boost of cherry flavor and helps the cherry stick to the cookie better. If you skip it, the cookie will still be delicious.

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Can I freeze these cookies after baking?

Yes, they freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re completely cooled and layered with parchment in an airtight container. Dust with fresh powdered sugar after thawing.

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How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough is key. Also, make sure your baking sheet is cool before placing a new batch on it — a hot pan can start melting the butter too soon.

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Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?

Yes! In fact, almond extract pairs wonderfully with cherries. Just use a light hand — a little goes a long way.

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Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly, as GF dough can be softer.

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How long do these cookies stay fresh?

They’re best within 3–5 days if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.

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Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?

You could, but it will change both the look and flavor. Candied cranberries or dried cherries might work — just avoid fruits that release too much liquid.

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Conclusion

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the kind of treat that makes the holiday season feel extra magical. With their buttery texture, sweet cherry centers, and snowy powdered sugar tops, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re adding them to a cookie platter, gifting them in a festive tin, or savoring one with a warm drink by the tree, these cookies bring comfort, cheer, and a touch of nostalgia. They’re simple enough to bake anytime and special enough to become a yearly tradition. Happy baking!

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