Get into the holiday spirit with Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Christmas Cookies. These festive treats combine the rich, buttery goodness of shortbread with the sweetness of maraschino cherries. Learn how to make these delightful cookies that will add a touch of holiday magic to your celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, well-drained and finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Red and green colored sugar (optional, for decoration)
Instructions:
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Flavor and Color:
- Stir in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract, creating a delightful pink-hued dough.
3. Mix in the Flour:
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Fold in the Cherries:
- Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
5. Shape the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a 1 1/2-inch diameter log. Roll the logs in red and green colored sugar, if desired, for a festive touch.
6. Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
7. Preheat and Slice:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Slice the chilled dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
8. Bake to Perfection:
- Arrange the cookie rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Christmas Cookies to cool on a wire rack. Serve and enjoy these festive delights.
Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Christmas Cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. The rich, buttery essence of shortbread is beautifully combined with the sweet and colorful touch of maraschino cherries in these festive treats. As a result, you’ll have a batch of cookies that will add a touch of holiday magic to your festivities. To make these delectable cookies, begin by creaming softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. To give the dough a delightful pink hue and a burst of flavor, combine maraschino cherry juice and almond extract. Gradually add all-purpose flour to make a soft dough, then gently fold in finely chopped maraschino cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed. Shape the dough into logs, roll them in red and green colored sugar for a festive touch, and refrigerate until firm. Once chilled, slice the dough into rounds and bake until the edges turn golden. Let the cookies cool, and you’ll have a batch of Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Christmas Cookies that are perfect for sharing and savoring during the holiday season. Enjoy the festive delight of these treats!