Description
These Christmas Cherry Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and mildly sweetened with colorful candied cherries, making them a festive and delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a classic shortbread texture with a burst of cherry flavor, these easy-to-make cookies add a charming red and green touch to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- ¾ cup candied red cherries, chopped
- ¼ cup candied green cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to maintain a delicate crumb.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped red and green candied cherries evenly throughout the dough to distribute bursts of sweetness and color.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet and slightly flatten with the palm of your hand for an even thickness.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
Notes
- For an extra festive flair, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate and let it set before serving for a sweet, decorative touch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.
