Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Why This Recipe Works: These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are festive, buttery, and deliciously sweet. The maraschino cherries add a pop of color and flavor, making these cookies a delightful treat for the holiday season. The shortbread base is rich and crumbly, pairing perfectly with the sweet cherries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for extra flavor

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Mix in the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using).
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
3. Incorporate Cherries:
   • Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Shape and Chill the Dough:
   • Form the dough into a log shape, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This helps the dough hold its shape when sliced and baked.
5. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Slice and Bake:
   • Remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap. Slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake, as shortbread should be pale.
8. Cool:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Note:

• Ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.