Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Title: Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chunks (optional, for drizzling or dipping)
- Festive colored sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Extracts:
- Add the vanilla extract and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in Cherries:
- Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies:
- Scoop out tablespoons of dough and shape them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; shortbread cookies should remain tender.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Chocolate Drizzle:
- Melt white chocolate chips or chunks in a microwave-safe bowl at 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Drizzle or dip the cooled cookies in the melted chocolate.
- Decorate:
- While the chocolate is still soft, add festive colored sprinkles on top for a holiday touch.
Time and Intensity:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
- Intensity: Moderate
Note: These Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday cookie platter. The combination of buttery shortbread and sweet cherries with optional white chocolate drizzle makes them a festive treat that everyone will enjoy. Store in an airtight container for freshness.
