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:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Extracts:
   • Add the vanilla extract and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. 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.
5. Fold in Cherries:
   • Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Cool:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 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.
10. 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.