Go Back
Adam

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies – Soft, Buttery & Festive

These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the kind of holiday cookie that instantly feels nostalgic. They’re soft, buttery, lightly sweet, and filled with pops of maraschino cherry pieces and mini chocolate chips. Each bite melts in your mouth, while the cherries add a festive touch of flavor and color. The recipe is simple, elegant, and full of holiday charm — perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, Christmas dessert platters, or cozy moments with warm drinks. Shortbread cookies are known for their delicate crumb and buttery flavor, and this version brings a joyful Christmas twist. They look beautiful without any extra decorating, yet they’re incredibly easy to make. This is the kind of recipe your family requests every December — and the one you’ll happily bake again and again.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake time 13 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup maraschino cherries chopped and dried
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

    View ↗
  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

    View ↗
  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

    View ↗

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional but helpful)
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Paper towels (for drying cherries)

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
  1. Drain the maraschino cherries well, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Chop into small pieces and set aside.
  2. (Drying is important so your dough doesn’t get wet.)
Step 3:
  1. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 4:
  1. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5:
  1. Add the flour and salt. Mix gently until a soft dough forms.
Step 6:
  1. Fold in the chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7:
  1. Shape the dough into small balls or roll into a log to slice. Place cookies onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step 8:
  1. Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the edges look lightly set but not brown.
Step 9:
  1. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5–6 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freeze baked cookies for 2 months.
To refresh texture, warm in the microwave for 5–6 seconds.
🥄 Variations
White Chocolate Version: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chunks.
Cherry-Only Version: Skip chocolate chips for a classic cherry shortbread taste.
Holiday Sprinkle Top: Add red or green sprinkles before baking.
Chocolate-Dipped Edges: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do I need to dry the cherries?
Yes — removing moisture keeps the cookies tender, not wet.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce added salt to a tiny pinch.
Can I chill the dough?
Yes — chilling 20 minutes makes thicker cookies.
Can I use regular chocolate chips?
Yes, but mini chips give better distribution.
Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely — dough or cookies freeze beautifully.
Do these spread a lot?
No — shortbread holds its shape.
Can I use cherry juice for color?
No — it adds unwanted moisture.
Can I use margarine?
Real butter is needed for flavor and texture.
Are these overly sweet?
No — powdered sugar gives gentle sweetness.
Do these taste like classic shortbread?
Yes — just with festive fruity chocolate flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
These Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are sweet, soft, buttery, and full of holiday beauty. The bright cherries and chocolate chips make every cookie feel joyful and special, while the melt-in-your-mouth texture brings pure comfort. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed during a quiet moment with tea or coffee, these cookies bring warmth to your holiday season.
Bake them. Share them. Enjoy them.
They’re the kind of cookie that becomes a Christmas tradition.