Jolly Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Holiday Joy

These crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth festive Christmas cherry shortbread cookies burst with delightful holiday cheer.

Rich butter blends perfectly with sweet cherries nestled in each delicate bite.

Classic shortbread gets a cheerful seasonal upgrade with bright red fruit dotting the creamy landscape.

Traditional Scottish techniques meet modern holiday whimsy in this simple yet elegant treat.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a textural symphony that captures winter’s warmth.

Each cookie promises a moment of pure, sweet celebration.

Bake these delectable treats and watch smiles spread across faces faster than snowflakes falling on a winter morning.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 131 kcal

Servings: 24

Christmas Cherry Shortbread: What You’ll Need

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation and helps create tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture; choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to golden color and crisp edges; use fine granulated sugar for smooth mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes; select pure vanilla extract for authentic taste.

• Flour: Gives structure and creates classic shortbread crumbly texture; use all-purpose flour for consistent results.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors; opt for fine table salt for even distribution.

• Candied Cherries: Introduces vibrant color and sweet-tart burst; select bright red, evenly cut cherries for visual appeal.
• Nuts: Provides delightful crunch and nutty undertone; choose fresh, crisp nuts like pecans or almonds for added complexity.

Tools to Bake Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar smoothly and quickly.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining all cookie ingredients comfortably.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding in cherries and mixing dough gently.
• Baking sheets: Two lined with parchment paper for even cookie baking.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Glass or fingers: Used for flattening cookie dough balls before baking.

Baking Your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Batch

• Whip Up The Butter Blend

Grab your mixer and cream softened butter with sugar until it looks fluffy and cloud-like, about 2 minutes. Splash in vanilla extract and mix smoothly.

• Create Delicate Dough

Slowly incorporate flour and salt into your butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Tenderly fold in chopped candied cherries and optional nuts.

• Shape Festive Treats

Roll small portions of dough into adorable little balls. Place them generously across baking sheets, giving each cookie space to breathe. Gently press down each ball using a glass bottom or fingertips.

• Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide your baking sheets into a 325F oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cookie edges turn a delicate golden hue. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

• Cool And Celebrate

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. For extra magic, dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy these merry, cherry-studded shortbread delights with friends and family.

Tips to Tweak Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Perfect Texture Tricks: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and create firmer, more defined cookies.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Holiday Decorating Hack: Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies and sprinkle with finely chopped red and green candied cherries for festive flair.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Skip nuts entirely or replace with toasted coconut flakes for added crunch and different flavor profile while keeping the recipe allergy-friendly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance or frozen for up to 4 weeks, making holiday baking less stressful and more convenient.

Serving Christmas Cherry Shortbread with Style

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange the shortbread cookies on a beautiful ceramic platter with evergreen sprigs and a dusting of powdered sugar for a magical Christmas presentation.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts for neighbors, teachers, or family friends.
• Dessert Pairing Delight: Serve alongside hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a rich espresso to complement the buttery, cherry-studded cookies and enhance their delicate flavor profile.
• Elegant Cookie Display: Create a rustic tiered serving tray with these shortbread cookies, adding small ornaments or candy canes between layers for a whimsical holiday touch.

Stashing Christmas Cherry Shortbread the Smart Way

• Chilled Storage Strategy: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe containers. Frozen shortbread maintains quality for 3 months, allowing you to enjoy festive treats anytime.
• Moisture Management: Store away from humid areas to prevent softening. Choose a cool, dry spot like a pantry shelf or kitchen cabinet to keep cookies crisp and delightful.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough in advance and refrigerate for 2-3 days before baking. This method enhances flavor development and provides flexible baking options during busy holiday seasons.

Festive Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Holiday cheer sparkles through Christmas cherry shortbread cookies, blending buttery richness with festive cherry accents. Sweet crumbles melt effortlessly, inviting seasonal delight that connects memories and warmth.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (75g) chopped red and green candied cherries
• ¼ cup (30g) finely chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325F (165C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper for efficient cookie baking.
2. Butter Mixture: Whip softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the blend becomes fluffy and pale, ensuring a smooth, aerated consistency.
3. Flavor Integration: Mix vanilla extract into the butter blend, guaranteeing even flavor distribution throughout the dough.
4. Dry Ingredient Incorporation: Blend flour and salt into the mixture at low speed, creating a cohesive dough that holds together without becoming tough.
5. Ingredient Fusion: Fold candied cherries and nuts into the dough, ensuring uniform distribution while maintaining the dough’s delicate structure.
6. Cookie Shaping: Craft uniform dough balls using a tablespoon, positioning them two inches apart on prepared baking sheets with precision.
7. Surface Refinement: Gently press each cookie sphere using a glass bottom or fingertips, creating an even, elegant surface that promises uniform baking.
8. Baking Process: Slide trays into the preheated oven, baking for 15-18 minutes until edges transform into a subtle golden hue, signaling perfect doneness.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling; optionally dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Notes

• Prevent Overworking Dough: Mix ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, delicate cookie texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Control Butter Temperature: Use room temperature butter that’s soft but not melting to ensure proper creaming and consistent cookie structure.
• Spacing Matters: Leave adequate space between cookies on the baking sheet to allow even heat circulation and prevent spreading into each other.
• Cherry Distribution Technique: Gently fold candied cherries to avoid breaking them, ensuring even flavor and color throughout the shortbread cookies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg