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While rummaging through grandma's vintage recipe collection, I stumbled upon these Christmas Cherry Shortbread treats that've now become our family's holiday gem. The vibrant red cherries tucked into buttery dough remind me of festive decorations on Christmas trees. They truly catch everyone's attention on dessert plates, bringing out that wonderful holiday spirit.
Delightful Holiday Wonder
The magic of these cookies comes from how perfectly the buttery base pairs with those sweet cherries and a hint of chocolate. They're super easy to whip up yet look fancy enough for any holiday gathering. At our yearly cookie swap, they're always the first ones people ask me about.
What You'll Need
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened to room temp), creating a soft, luxurious base.
- Powdered Sugar: ½ cup, offering a gentle sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: ½ tablespoon, boosting overall taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, giving the cookies their shape.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, cutting through sweetness nicely.
- Maraschino Cherries: ¾ cup, drained well and chopped, for festive pops of color.
- Chocolate Chips: ⅔ cup, adding little bursts of decadence.
Let's Make Some Cookies
- Mix Your Dry Stuff
- Combine those dry items first for better blending later on.
- Whip It Good
- Beat the butter and sugar till it's fluffy and pale then mix in that vanilla.
- Form Your Dough
- Slowly add flour mixture then carefully fold in your cherries and chocolate bits.
- Cooling Period
- Roll the dough into a nice log wrap it tight and let it sit in the fridge until solid.
- Bake 'Em Up
- Slice into rounds and bake until you see those edges turning golden brown.
My Best Tips
Don't skip drying those cherries completely before mixing them in. Let your dough get really cold before cutting it makes for cleaner slices. And don't worry if some pieces fall apart just push them back together and they'll bake up just fine.
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Keep Them Fresh
Store these treats in something airtight and they'll stay yummy for several days. I always keep extra dough logs in my freezer ready to bake whenever guests drop by. They're wonderful with hot tea or wrapped up as little presents for friends.
Holiday Joy
These cherry shortbreads truly brighten our holiday season. You'll find them tucked in gift boxes or arranged on serving dishes around our home, always adding that touch of Christmas cheer to our family gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the reason to drain cherries?
Draining and patting cherries removes extra moisture, so your dough stays firm and bakes evenly.
- → Is freezing the dough possible?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before slicing or freeze baked cookies to enjoy later.
- → Why are my cookies falling apart?
If the dough falls apart when cutting, reshaping it with your hands can fix it. Keeping the dough chilled helps it hold together better.
- → What's the ideal slice thickness?
Cut them anywhere from ¼ to ⅓ inch thick. If they're too thin, they'll break; too thick, and they'll bake unevenly.
- → Are mix-in substitutions possible?
Sure! Try different dried fruits or types of chocolate, but don't change the total amount so your dough turns out right.