If you’re searching for a delightful holiday treat that’s both charming and bursting with festive flavor, this Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These buttery, crumbly cookies studded with bright red and green candied cherries bring a pop of color and a wonderful fruity sweetness to classic shortbread, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting during the season. The balance of rich butter and chewy cherries creates a joyful experience in every bite, inviting smiles and spreading holiday cheer wherever they appear.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create that irresistible texture and vibrant taste. Each component plays an important role, from the creamy butter that ensures melt-in-your-mouth softness to the colorful cherries that bring festive flair and a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, tender base that makes shortbread so deliciously crumbly.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Adds a light sweetness and helps achieve a smooth, delicate dough texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure that holds everything together in a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
- ¾ cup candied red cherries, chopped: Brings bursts of sweet, festive color and chewy texture.
- ¼ cup candied green cherries, chopped: Complements the red cherries for a holiday-inspired visual and taste contrast.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cream the Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key because it incorporates air into the butter, giving your cookies that soft, tender crumb our hearts so desire during the holidays.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Build the Dough
Next, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that lovely aromatic warmth. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl, gently mixing to combine everything into a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork it, as that could make your cookies dense rather than delightfully crumbly.
Step 3: Fold in the Holiday Colors
Time to bring the Christmas spirit by gently folding in the chopped red and green candied cherries. This addition not only creates a festive look but adds bursts of fruity sweetness that perfectly complement the buttery shortbread base. Fold just enough to evenly distribute the cherries without breaking them down.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Scoop out about one tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, then press down slightly with the palm of your hand to form a cookie shape. Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a soft golden color. This gentle baking ensures the cookies remain tender with a delicate crumb.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential because it lets the cookies set properly, so they hold together beautifully without losing any of that buttery melt-in-your-mouth magic.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a finishing touch to these cookies can really elevate their charm on any holiday platter. Consider dipping half of each fully cooled cookie in melted white chocolate and letting it set; it adds a creamy sweetness and glossy finish that’s absolutely stunning. You could also sprinkle a pinch of festive colored sugar or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top for a sparkling snow-kissed effect.
Side Dishes
These cherry shortbread cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or even a glass of creamy eggnog. Their buttery simplicity complements the cozy flavors found in most holiday beverages, making every bite feel like a heartfelt seasonal celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
When gifting or serving, arrange these cookies in festive tins lined with colorful tissue paper or stack them in clear mason jars tied with a bright ribbon. Another fun idea is to place them on a holiday dessert tray alongside peppermint bark, sugar cookies, and gingerbread for a beautifully diverse cookie spread that excites every sweet tooth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and flavorful for up to one week, making them perfect to bake ahead of the holiday rush and enjoy throughout your celebrations.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a sealed freezer bag or container. When properly stored, they can last in the freezer for up to three months without losing their buttery goodness.
Reheating
To revive frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle warming will freshen up their softness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the candied cherries with fresh cherries?
Fresh cherries have a higher moisture content and can alter the dough texture, causing it to be too soft or wet. Candied cherries offer concentrated sweetness and maintain the cookie’s structure better, making them the ideal choice for this recipe.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar? Can I use granulated sugar instead?
Powdered sugar dissolves easily and gives the dough a smooth, tender texture that granulated sugar cannot replicate. Using granulated sugar might result in a grittier texture, so it’s best to stick with powdered sugar for authentic shortbread.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the dough’s consistency and that you measure accurately to avoid dryness.
How long do these Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies last once baked?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will be fresh and tasty for up to one week. Their buttery richness makes them ideal for savoring over several days during the holidays.
Can I add nuts to this recipe for extra crunch?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or almonds would add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cherries beautifully. Just fold them in along with the candied cherries before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is a true holiday treasure that blends simplicity with festive charm perfectly. Once you try these cookies, with their buttery crumb and bursts of cheerful, colorful cherries, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved favorite for the season. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and watch how these cookies instantly become a highlight on your holiday dessert table, bringing happiness one bite at a time.
Print
Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Buttery and tender shortbread dough is perfectly balanced with sweet chopped red and green candied cherries, creating a colorful and delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- ¾ cup candied red cherries, chopped
- ¼ cup candied green cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender shortbread texture.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with rich flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Chopped Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped red and green candied cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for festive bursts of flavor and color.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly, then gently flatten each ball with your palm to form small discs.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked but still tender inside.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their shape and texture.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate and let them set before serving.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
