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While rummaging through my grandma's vintage recipe collection, I stumbled upon these Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies that've now become our family's festive must-have. The vibrant red cherries tucked into buttery cookie dough look just like tiny decorations on a Christmas tree. They catch everyone's eye on holiday platters and instantly bring that festive mood.
Delightful Holiday Charm
The magic of these treats comes from how the buttery dough, juicy cherries, and chocolate bits work together. They're super easy to whip up but look fancy enough for any holiday gathering. At our yearly cookie swap, my buddies always beg me to share how I make them.
Your Ingredients List
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened), giving these cookies their melt-in-mouth quality.
- Powdered Sugar: ½ cup, for that smooth, gentle sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: ½ tablespoon, adding warmth to the flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, creating the perfect cookie foundation.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, highlighting all the tasty elements.
- Maraschino Cherries: ¾ cup, drained and chopped, adding festive color and fruitiness.
- Chocolate Chips: ⅔ cup, for little bursts of sweetness.
Cookie Creation Steps
- Mix the Foundation
- Combine those dry items first for better blending throughout the recipe.
- Fluff It Up
- Whip the butter and sugar till it's fluffy and pale then stir in your vanilla.
- Form Your Dough
- Slowly add the flour mix then carefully fold in those bright cherries and chocolate pieces.
- Cool It Down
- Roll your mixture into a log wrap it tight and stick it in the fridge until solid.
- Bake to Perfection
- Cut into rounds and pop them in the oven until they're just turning golden at the edges.
Smart Shortcuts
Don't skip drying those cherries thoroughly before mixing them in. Let your dough get really cold before cutting it'll make nice clean slices. And don't worry if some pieces fall apart you can smoosh them back together and they'll still turn out great.
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Storage Secrets
These goodies stay yummy for several days when kept in a sealed container. I love to keep spare dough logs in my freezer ready to bake whenever we want a quick sweet treat. They go perfectly with a hot drink or wrapped up as thoughtful homemade presents.
Seasonal Bliss
These cherry shortbreads truly capture the spirit of the holidays. You'll find them tucked in our gift packages or laid out on serving dishes around the house. They've got that special something that makes Christmas time feel extra magical for everyone who tries them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prep the cherries?
Dry the cherries thoroughly to avoid adding too much liquid to the dough. Use paper towels to get rid of excess moisture.
- → Is freezing an option?
Yep! You can freeze the dough log wrapped up for up to 3 months or store baked cookies. Let the dough thaw in the fridge before slicing.
- → Why does my dough break when cutting?
If it breaks apart, just squish it back together. Keeping the dough cold can stop it from crumbling.
- → How thick should I cut the slices?
Go for slices about ¼ to ⅓ inch thick. Thinner ones might break, and thicker ones might not cook through evenly.
- → Could I use other add-ins?
Sure! Switch it up with different chocolates or dried fruits. Keep the total amount the same so the dough stays balanced.