There’s something magical about holiday baking that fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. If you’re searching for the best Christmas shortbread cookie recipe, these Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a festive must-have! With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the perfect pop of sweet cherry flavor, these cookies are not just beautiful on a holiday platter—they’re irresistible.

Made with real butter, finely chopped maraschino cherries, and a hint of almond extract, this recipe delivers the classic shortbread taste with a fun and colorful twist. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, gifting homemade treats, or setting up a Christmas dessert table, these easy shortbread cookies will be the star of the season.

Plus, if you love a no-fuss baking experience, you’ll appreciate that these buttery shortbread cookies require no chilling and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Perfectly crisp yet tender, they pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or holiday hot cocoa.

Holiday baking should be as enjoyable as it is delicious, and these cookies check all the boxes. With just a handful of ingredients, this classic shortbread cookie recipe transforms into a festive treat that looks as good as it tastes.

From their rich, buttery texture to the bright red cherry pieces peeking through each bite, these cookies bring holiday cheer to any gathering. Plus, they store beautifully, making them an ideal Christmas cookie for gifting or freezing ahead for stress-free holiday planning.

If you’re looking for a festive shortbread recipe that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress, these Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the answer. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and let the sweet scent of holiday baking fill your home!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS MARASCHINO CHERRY SHORTBREAD COOKIES

1. Festive & Beautiful – The vibrant red cherries add a pop of holiday color, making these cookies a stunning addition to any Christmas cookie tray.

2. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Classic buttery shortbread creates a delicate, crumbly bite that’s irresistibly rich.

3. Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and no complicated steps, these cookies come together effortlessly.

4. Perfect for Gifting – Their elegant look and delicious taste make them ideal for homemade holiday gifts.

5. A Nostalgic Treat – The combination of sweet maraschino cherries and buttery shortbread brings back cozy holiday memories.

6. Customizable – Add white chocolate drizzle, dip them in chocolate, or sprinkle with festive sugar for extra holiday charm.

INGREDIENTS FOR CHRISTMAS MARASCHINO CHERRY SHORTBREAD COOKIES

• Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
• Powdered Sugar
• Vanilla Extract
• All-Purpose Flour
• Salt
• Maraschino Cherries (chopped and drained well, or use candied cherries)
• Chocolate Chips

HOW TO MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS MARASCHINO CHERRY SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Step 1: Beat the unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Sift the all-purpose flour together with salt into the creamed mixture and knead to form a dough.

Step 3: Gently fold in the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Wrap the dough in cling film, shape it into a log by pressing it with your hands, and refrigerate for about one hour.

Step 5: Once chilled, cut the dough into round cookies, place them on a baking sheet, and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for approximately 15 minutes.

Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing and serving.

STORAGE OPTIONS

Freeze: Store baked cookies in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Refrigerate: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. For best texture, allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Reheat: Not necessary, but if you prefer a slightly warm cookie, microwave for 5-10 seconds or place in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes.

VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Chocolate Twist: Swap white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate chips to add a rich contrast to the buttery shortbread.

Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or almonds for extra texture and a toasty flavor.

Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to brighten up the dough.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a wheat-free version with the same tender crumb.

Extract Swap: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a deeper, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with cherries.

Dried Fruit Alternative: Instead of maraschino cherries, try dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries for a more intense fruitiness.

SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup maraschino cherries chopped (drain well on a paper towel, or use candied maraschino cherries)
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

• Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed butter mixture, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
• Incorporate Mix-Ins: Fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
• Chill the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a piece of cling film. Shape it into a log by pressing gently with your hands, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Prepare for Baking: Once chilled, slice the dough into round cookies. Place the rounds onto a baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
• Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
• Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.