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Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread

A festive, buttery shortbread cookie studded with sweet maraschino cherries. Perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, and Christmas baking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 28 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Christmas
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup powdered sugar
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp almond extract
  • 0.75 cup maraschino cherries drained, dried, chopped
  • 2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice optional for color

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, and cherry juice if using.
  4. Add flour and salt; mix until a dough forms.
  5. Fold in chopped maraschino cherries.
  6. Roll dough into balls and flatten slightly.
  7. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are set but still pale.
  8. Cool on a wire rack and serve.

Notes

Dry cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.