Description
Bring the magic of the holidays to your kitchen with these *Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread* cookies. Buttery, soft, and delicately sweet, these festive treats are dotted with vibrant maraschino cherries and rich mini chocolate chips, then topped with a snowfall of powdered sugar. Perfect for cookie exchanges, edible gifts, or just cozy baking moments at home, this easy recipe fits right into your favorite *holiday desserts*, *quick baking ideas*, and *festive food ideas*. Whether you’re looking for a *simple Christmas cookie* or something beautiful for your holiday platter, this is the *easy recipe* you’ll come back to year after year.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and dried
2/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the almond extract until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips gently.
6. Use a cookie scoop to shape dough balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 12–15 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
8. Cool cookies for 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Notes
Be sure to pat the cherries dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop and lightly press the dough into shape.
Do not overbake—cookies should be pale with just lightly golden bottoms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, shortbread, maraschino cherry, holiday baking, easy dessert, festive treat, cookie exchange