As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to indulge in the joy of baking and share delicious treats with loved ones. One delightful addition to your Christmas cookie repertoire is the Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies. These festive delights are not only visually appealing with vibrant red cherries but also boast a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave everyone craving more. Let’s dive into the recipe and get ready to spread the holiday cheer!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and patted dry
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Prepare the Cherries: Drain and finely chop the maraschino cherries. Pat them dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This may take 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until well combined. These extracts will contribute to the rich flavor of the shortbread.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Cookies: Take tablespoons of dough and shape them into balls or use cookie cutters for festive shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking. The cookies may still appear soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool and Dust (Optional): Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust the cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar for a festive touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once completely cooled, serve these delightful Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies on a festive platter or package them in decorative boxes for gifting. Watch as they disappear, leaving smiles and holiday cheer in their wake.