Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Few cookies capture the magic of the season quite like Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies. Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread mingles with festive pops of candied cherries and a whisper of almond—creating a cookie that looks as joyful as it tastes. Perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or cozy evenings by twinkling lights, these beauties bring both nostalgia and cheer with every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies is a breeze thanks to a short and sweet ingredient list. Every ingredient plays a starring role—creating delicate texture, a rich buttery flavor, and eye-catching color that defines this classic holiday treat.
- Unsalted butter: The backbone of shortbread, giving the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily for a smooth, tender crumb and subtle sweetness.
- Almond extract: Adds a gorgeous aromatic note that pairs perfectly with cherries.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies light and delicate.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Red and green candied cherries: Bring delightful pops of color and fruity sweetness, making each bite festive and fun.
- Pecans (optional): A handful of finely chopped pecans adds gentle crunch and a toasty note—try them for extra depth.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure a gentle bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup simple and keeps your cookies from sticking, helping you get those picture-perfect shortbreads.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth, pale, and fluffy. This process gives the cookies their signature tender texture, so take a couple of extra minutes to really whip it well.
Step 3: Add Almond Extract
Mix in the almond extract until fully incorporated. This tiny step brings an irresistible aroma and flavor that elevates your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies into truly special territory.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring or mixing on low until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and just a bit pliable—it holds together without being sticky.
Step 5: Add Cherries and Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped candied cherries and, if using, the pecans. The colorful cherries become little jewels inside the dough, infusing each cookie with cheer and subtle flavor.
Step 6: Shape and Flatten the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into 1-inch balls, setting them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each ball—this gives you those classic, dome-topped shortbread cookies.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden. These cookies are delicate, so don’t overbake. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warm, buttery aroma filling your kitchen—it’s pure holiday magic.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle your cookies with sanding sugar before baking—they’ll sparkle beautifully under the lights. A drizzle of white chocolate always gets oohs and aahs, but a simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic elegance and lets those bright cherries shine through.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a mug of spiced hot cocoa, a warm cup of tea, or even a festive mulled wine. They also look dazzling on a dessert tray next to other holiday classics like gingerbread or fudge squares.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons for gorgeous homemade gifts. Stack them in holiday tins lined with parchment, or layer them on a pretty platter for your next gathering. For even more charm, alternate the cookies with fresh cranberries or a few sprigs of pine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies tasting their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to a week—though chances are they’ll disappear much sooner.
Freezing
These cookies are fantastic make-ahead treats! Freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer, separated by parchment, in an airtight container for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
Shortbread is at its best at room temperature, but if you’d like to revive that just-baked aroma, warm cookies in a 275°F (135°C) oven for 4–5 minutes. This refreshes the flavor and texture beautifully, especially after freezing.
FAQs
Can I use glacé cherries instead of candied cherries?
Absolutely! Glacé cherries work just as well and bring the same color and slight chewiness. Just be sure to chop them finely and pat them dry to avoid any excess moisture in the dough.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are spreading, the butter may have been too soft or the dough too warm. Try chilling the shaped dough balls for 15–20 minutes before baking to help hold their shape.
Are pecans a must, or can I skip them?
Pecans are totally optional! They add a luscious crunch, but you can leave them out for a classic, nut-free shortbread that’s still utterly delicious.
How do I make the cookies look more uniform?
For perfectly even cookies, roll the dough into a log, chill it, and slice rounds to bake. This helps every cookie look picture-perfect while still delivering all the flavor and festive charm.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just use a larger mixing bowl and ensure your ingredients are well combined—great for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or freezing extras for later.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to make the season a little brighter, you simply have to try these Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies. They’re buttery, sweet, and impossibly festive—a timeless favorite that’s sure to warm hearts and create new holiday memories. Turn on the carols, pour yourself something cozy, and bake up some cheer!
Print
Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies. These buttery treats are studded with red and green candied cherries, making them a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chopped red and green candied cherries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
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 the butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Mix in the almond extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Stir in the chopped cherries and pecans if using.
- Shape and bake: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- You can roll the dough into a log for uniform cookies.
- Sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking for extra sparkle.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
