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Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
Add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined. If you’re using cherry juice, add it here as well.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Once the flour is incorporated, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, divide it into two portions. If the dough feels too soft to handle, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
Roll each portion of dough into a log about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge for at least 1 hour or until firm. You can even freeze them if you’re prepping ahead of time.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Once the dough is chilled and firm, remove it from the fridge and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading.
If you’d like, roll the edges of each cookie in colored sprinkles for a festive touch. This is optional, but it adds a beautiful pop of color and extra sweetness.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will still be soft when you remove them from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions
These Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Holiday Cookie Trays: Add these cookies to your festive cookie trays or dessert buffets for a delicious addition to your spread.
- Gift-Giving: Pack the cookies in a cute tin or jar and gift them to friends, family, or neighbors as a homemade treat during the holidays.
- With Hot Drinks: Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for the ultimate cozy snack.
- Cookie Swaps: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
- Vibrant Colors: The bright red and green hues of the maraschino cherries give these cookies a festive and cheerful look, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Melt-In-Your-Mouth Texture: The buttery, crumbly shortbread base is the perfect canvas for the sweet and slightly tart cherries, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences—use different types of sprinkles, add white chocolate chips, or try other flavored extracts to change up the flavor profile.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the dough is key to getting the perfect shortbread cookie texture. It ensures the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much during baking.
- Drain the Cherries Well: Be sure to drain and dry the maraschino cherries thoroughly before adding them to the dough to avoid excess moisture that could affect the texture of the cookies.
- Use Fresh Butter: For the best flavor and texture, use unsalted butter that’s softened to room temperature. This will help the cookies achieve their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well! You can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick treat whenever you need it.
Conclusion
These Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their buttery texture, festive colors, and sweet cherry flavor, they make an ideal gift, party treat, or holiday snack. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite during the holiday season.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a sweet and festive cookie, give these maraschino cherry shortbread cookies a try—they’re sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations!
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