These Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are everything you could possibly want in a holiday treat: buttery, tender, and sprinkled with sparkles of red and green candied cherries that look just as festive as they taste. Whether you’re setting them out for Santa or sharing with loved ones, these jewel-toned cookies promise to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. You’ll fall in love with their delicate crumb and rich, nostalgic flavor—making them a must-bake tradition for any Christmas gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what makes these cookies irresistible: simple, high-quality ingredients that come together for melt-in-your-mouth magic. Each component is carefully chosen to create the classic taste and fun presentation that makes Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies such a seasonal superstar.
- Unsalted butter: Use the very best butter you can get your hands on—it’s the foundation for that classic, meltaway shortbread texture.
- Powdered sugar: This gives the cookies their tender crumb and a smooth sweetness that blends beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth, grounding all the flavors together.
- All-purpose flour: The canvas that holds everything together—make sure to stir gently to keep the dough delicate.
- Salt: Just a touch for balance, so the cookies don’t taste flat and the cherries really pop!
- Candied red cherries: These bring festive color and little pops of juicy sweetness to every bite.
- Candied green cherries: A handful of green for that unmistakable holiday cheer, scattered like tiny gems throughout each cookie.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper. This little prep step ensures your shortbread cookies lift off easily and keep their pretty shapes. Trust me, you don’t want to skip it—it makes cleanup a breeze, too!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This is where the magic starts—well-creamed butter promises that signature shortbread crumble we all crave. Don’t rush; a few minutes of mixing really pays off in that tender texture!
Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract
Drizzle in your vanilla extract and keep mixing until it’s completely blended. This tiny step adds a beautiful, comforting aroma and flavor that instantly brings the holiday spirit to your kitchen.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to your butter mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. It should look smooth and hold together but not feel sticky. Remember, a light touch is your best friend—overmixing can make the cookies tough rather than tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Cherries
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped candied red and green cherries. Every stir scatters those vibrant little jewels, turning your dough into a true Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies masterpiece. Be careful not to crush the cherries—big, bright pieces look and taste best.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out about one tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it between your hands to make a smooth ball. Place them on your lined baking sheet with a bit of space between. Give each one a gentle press with your palm to slightly flatten—this helps them bake evenly and gives a classic shortbread look.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the edges of the cookies are starting to turn a soft golden color. Keep an eye on them; shortbread should stay pale for the most delicate bite. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Garnishes
Once your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are cool, feel free to get playful with toppings! A drizzle or half-dip of melted white chocolate adds a luxurious touch and makes them feel extra festive. For a snowy look, dust a little powdered sugar on top—or sprinkle with colored sanding sugar if you love sparkle.
Side Dishes
I can’t imagine a cozier scene than a plate of these cookies paired with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a creamy latté! They also tuck in beautifully beside other classic treats like peppermint bark, chocolate truffles, or buttery thumbprint cookies on your holiday dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes these cookies shine! Stack a few in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gorgeous edible gifts, or nestle them into a festive tin lined with tissue paper for cookie exchanges. If you’re serving at a party, arrange them on a simple white platter—the cheery reds and greens do all the decorating for you!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll be at their best for up to a week—if they last that long! Stack them with sheets of parchment or wax paper in between to preserve their pretty finish.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully, so feel free to make them ahead! Once baked and completely cooled, arrange them in layers (separated by parchment) in a freezer-safe container. They’ll hold their flavor and texture in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you prefer a slightly warm shortbread, pop a cookie or two into a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes—just until warmed through. This brings out the aroma of butter and vanilla, making them taste as if they’ve just come out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of candied?
For this recipe, candied cherries are best—they hold up through mixing and baking, and their cheerful color won’t bleed into the dough. Fresh cherries have more moisture, which can change texture and make the cookies soggy, so stick with candied for the classic look and feel.
Why is my dough crumbly?
If your shortbread dough feels dry or crumbly, it might need just a touch more mixing to come together. Make sure your butter is thoroughly softened, and gently press the dough with your hands to help it stick. If it’s very dry, a teaspoon of milk can help bring it together.
Can I make these Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies gluten free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture will still be lovely and tender, and the festive colors will shine just as bright.
What’s the secret to a tender shortbread cookie?
The trick is not to overmix the dough once the flour is added. Creaming the butter and sugar really well at the start gives a light, airy base, but after the flour goes in, mix gently and stop as soon as it comes together for that classic crumbly texture.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Double or even triple the ingredients for a big batch, just be sure to bake in batches so the cookies have plenty of space on the sheet to spread and bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a tray of Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies to make the holidays feel extra magical. Their buttery richness, pops of bright cherry, and playful colors create instant joy, whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a midnight treat. Give these festive cookies a try—your kitchen (and your loved ones) will thank you!
Print
Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful holiday treat with a buttery, tender crumb and bursts of sweet candied cherries in every bite. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
Shortbread Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup candied red cherries, chopped
- ¼ cup candied green cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Flavor: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Add Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped red and green candied cherries.
- Form Cookies: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra festive flair, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate and let it set before serving.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
