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
Scale
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.
