Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies… Christmas, New Year, Santa Claus, Christmas Tree, Cookies… everything is about holidays these days.

I am super excited and I can‘t wait to spend the holidays with my family.  We have already started preparing and, as you know, I especially enjoy making Christmas cookies.

Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

My son is my little helper and the two of us make a winning combination in the kitchen. We have decided to make a little surprise for my husband and prepare his favorite shortbread cookies. They are so easy to make and yet so special.

There are many different ways to prepare and decorate them, and you can also make various shapes. I chose Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies because they look classy with the Maraschino cherry in the middle.

You can find here delicious Christmas Desserts ➡️

You can find here delicious Christmas Recipes
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Make your Holiday a day to enjoy with your loved one. Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect homemade gift and that‘s something money can‘t buy. So, take some time and show your loved one how much you care.

Check out some of most popular HOLIDAY COOKIES ➡️

You can find here delicious Holiday Cookies
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Take a look our most popular Christmas and New Year`s Eve recipes Christmas Chocolate Crinkle Cookies and Cranberry Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies.

What do you need to make this Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 1/2 tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter – softened
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 27 Maraschino Cherries
Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

How to prepare Maraschino Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies?

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Put parchment paper in the baking pan and leave aside. In a medium sized dish combine flour and corn starch. Leave aside. In a large bowl mix butter and sugar using electric hand mixer at medium speed, until it becomes light and fluffy.

Add vanilla extract and pinch of salt and mix some more. Add flour and corn starch. Mix at a lower speed for a few minutes to get a fine dough. Make balls of about 1 inch. Place them in the baking pan. Space cookies about 2 inches apart.

Finally, place Maraschino cherry on the top of each ball of dough and press with finger until ⅔ of the cherry is inside the ball. Bake for 10/12 minutes. Wait for them to cool down and enjoy. 

They are so simple, but make great impression.  I made the dough and my son helped me make balls. He loved putting Maraschino cherries in the middle and felt so happy and proud. The result can be seen in the photos.

IMG_15244 Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

When my husband came home from work that day, there was a surprise waiting for him on the table. His smile was worth thousands of words.

We spent that afternoon together, enjoying Maraschino Cherry Shortbread cookies. So, I am sure there will be a special place for them on your Christmas table, as well.

Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies… Christmas, New Year, Santa Claus, Christmas Tree, Cookies… everything is about holidays these days.
Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Yield: 26-28
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Christmas, New Year, Santa Claus, Christmas tree, cookies… everything is about holidays these days. We have already started preparing and, as you know, I especially enjoy making Christmas cookies.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter – softened
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 27 Maraschino Cherries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Put parchment paper in the baking pan and leave aside.
  2. In a medium sized dish combine flour and corn starch. Leave aside.
  3. In a large bowl mix butter and sugar using electric hand mixer at medium speed, until it becomes light and fluffy.
  4. Add vanilla extract and pinch of salt and mix some more.
  5. Add flour and corn starch. Mix at a lower speed for a few minutes to get a fine dough.
  6. Make balls of about 1 inch. Place them in the baking pan. Space cookies about 2 inches apart.
  7. Finally, place Maraschino cherry on the top of each ball of dough and press with finger until 2/3 of the cherry is inside the ball. Bake for 10/12 minutes.
  8. Wait for them to cool down and enjoy.

Notes

They can be kept at a room temperature for a couple of days

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 27 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 74Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g

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Comments

51 responses to “Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies”

  1. Micha Avatar
    Micha

    I love this cookies!

    1. Pamela Avatar

      I followed the instructions but something went wrong. How can I fix this? The cookie melted and spread flat.

      1. Dragana Avatar

        Hi Pamela,

        When cookies turn out flat, first reason is often butter that is too soft or even melted. This makes cookies spread. The other reason is too little flour. If too-little flour was the issue, try adding an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour to the dough.
        Also when your oven temperature is too high, the butter in the cookies melts too quickly, causing them to spread.

        Best,
        Dragana

  2. Marika Avatar
    Marika

    Thanks for great recipe

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Thanks a lot, Marika. I really appreciate 🙂

  3. deborah scanlan Avatar
    deborah scanlan

    I was looking for a few quick and easy cookies to make for a up coming open house for Christmas. Made it and love it. Was wondering if the dough can be made the day before and refrigerate.

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Thanks Deborah 🙂
      Yes, you can make the dough the day before and refrigerate.
      Regards,
      Dragana

  4. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Thanks for sharing this recipe, can’t wait to try it!! Can these cookies be made ahead? Do they freeze well?

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Thank YOU Jen 🙂

      When the shortbreads have been baked and cooled completely, put the cookies into airtight container. I suggest that you put a layer of parchment paper or foil between each layer of cookies. You can keep shortbreads in the freezer for up to 3 or 4 weeks.

      Regards,
      Dragana

  5. Melissa Kelly Avatar
    Melissa Kelly

    Are these cookies soft?

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Hi Mellisa,

      first day cookies are crunchy, the day after they melts in your mouth.

      Regards,
      Dragana

  6. Natalie Avatar
    Natalie

    What kind of maraschino cherries do you use? Candies or from the jar?

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Hi Natalie,
      I used from the jar, but drained maraschino cherries.
      Regards,
      Dragana

  7. Elle Avatar
    Elle

    I made this recipe on the weekend fortnight family for the first time. The first dozen disappeared in minutes ! This recipe was so simple to follow and turned out delicious. I’ll be including them with my Christmas cookie boxes this year, thankyou !

    1. Dragana Avatar

      I’m so glad that you enjoy it, Elle!
      Merry Christmas!

  8. Justtina Avatar
    Justtina

    Made these the other day and they were a huge hit. I did add just 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the recipe though. It gives the cookies a sweeter flavor. They were soft and melt in your mouth.

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Ho Ho ho, I’m so glad that you enjoy it, Justtina ?
      Great idea about almond extract.
      Merry Christmas!

  9. Simone Avatar
    Simone

    I just made these and tbey are absolutely melt in your mouth kinda delicious and so simple!!! Thank you so much for sharing one of the best shortbread cookie recipes.

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Thank YOU, Simeone. I’m so glad you liked it.
      Best regards.

  10. Kyra Maro Avatar
    Kyra Maro

    I made these and they’re absolutely FANTASTIC. Literally can’t stop eating them and neither can my family! So simple yet delicious! And they’re not too sweet or too dry. Perfect.

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Thank YOU, Kyra, I’m so glad you liked it. They really are fantastic.
      Best regards!

  11. T Avatar
    T

    I just finished taking these out of the oven. I don’t know what happened but my batter did not look like what was pictured. It might have been that I used softened butter from the microwave instead of leaving it out like I usually do. It was very wet and very soft. I put them into balls as best I could and put cherries in and then popped the cookie sheets in the freezer and then baked them from frozen. They definitely didn’t look as good as they could have but they do taste so good. I used Morello cherries though because I picked up a jar from the store and came across this recipe to see if it would work. While they are decent I definitely will use maraschino cherries. The Morello was a bit on the kind of tart and wet side. It didn’t mess with the cookies at all but I think the maraschino is what I will do, it’s just all I had. I read someone mention using almond extract, I think that will work too but these cookies are good for people who don’t like overly sweet.

    I did these as a test run for Christmas and it will be one of the batches I make for sure. They melt in your mouth right after baking.

    Do you know why my batter came out wet and sticky, was it the butter?

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Yes, that’s probably the reason. Unsalted butter need to sit at room temperature.

      Best regards,
      Dragana

    2. Esther Moran Avatar
      Esther Moran

      Question has anyone ever drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies?

  12. Judy Barrett Avatar
    Judy Barrett

    Can I leave out the pinch of salt if if I use salted butter? Thank you.

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Yes you can, Judy.
      Happy Holidays!

      Best regards,
      Dragana

  13. Sandra Clark Avatar
    Sandra Clark

    I just mixed this up, and rather than a dough, it made a batter which will not form into balls. I let my butter soften on the counter, and mixed everything exactly at the recipe called for. I think it has to do with the brand of butter. Some butters get really soft (like mine) and other brands keep some of their firmness. I will try adding a little more flour and see what happens. (I know this is the middle of summer, but the picture looked so inviting that I had to make these now rather than wait until Christmas.)

    1. Sandra Clark Avatar
      Sandra Clark

      I decided not to add more flour afterall, but rather put the batter in the frig for a few minutes and then was able to make little dough balls. My cookies turned out just like the picture, however, I was only able to get 21 cookies out of the dough rather than 26. They are delicious shortbread cookies.

      1. Dragana Avatar

        Thank you Sandra, I’m so glad.

        Best,
        Dragana

    2. Dragana Avatar

      Yes Sandra, it could be that.
      It’s all season recipe.

      Best,
      Dragana

  14. Joy Shellnutt Avatar
    Joy Shellnutt

    I don’t have a hand mixer. Can I use a stand mixer?

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Yes you can, Joy.

      Best,
      Dragana

  15. Beth Baysinger Avatar
    Beth Baysinger

    Thank you for this recipe! I’m not a baker but I had to make 100 cookies for a cookie exchange party. These were so easy to make and came out perfect! I got about 28 cookies per batch so really minimized the amount of time I spent baking. And they aren’t super sweet so these will be my go-to cookie for years to come. I was dreading the thought of making so many cookies but with this recipe I won’t bat an eyelash when I’m asked next year.

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Great Beth, I’m so glad to hear that and so happy you liked it.

      Best regards,
      Dragana

  16. Sara Giegerich Avatar
    Sara Giegerich

    Hi, can I make them and put them in the freezer? Id like to keep them in there for about 3 weeks.

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Hi Sara,

      You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 or 4 weeks.

      Best,
      Dragana

  17. Bonnie Avatar
    Bonnie

    I mixed mine up & put in refrigerator overnight . Now they are hard as rocks. They have been room temp for an hour . When I try & put cherry in middle they just fall apart. Any suggestions .

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Hi Bonnie,

      Leave the dough at room temperature until it’s soft enough to work with without falling apart. Recipe doesn’t require refrigeration overnight, they are baked immediately.

      Dragana

  18. Christina Avatar
    Christina

    These are ABSOLUTELY delicious and easy to make! These cookies will be a yummy addition to my Christmas cookie boxes.

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Thanks Christina, I’m so glad.

      Dragana

  19. Alexandra Avatar
    Alexandra

    These were so delicious! I doubled the recipe, knowing they’d be eaten fast. I made the mistake of making them too big though, so only got about 30 cookies.
    Other than sizing, recipe was followed exactly.
    Butter was on the countertop for about 1.5 hours to get to room temperature.

    These were the easiest cookies we’ve ever made, excellent to make with kids.

    My 4 year old loved rolling the dough into balls, and my 8 year old helped with the cherries.

    Huge hit, will definitely save the recipe and make over and over again.

    Thank you!

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Great Alexandra, I’m so glad to hear that.. you really enjoyed.

      Best,
      Dragana

  20. Piper Avatar
    Piper

    How you achieved that many cookies in your recipe, because one inch balls only made 17 cookies using the recipe “as is”. I had to a bit more butter to be able to blend the flour in.

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Hi Piper,

      Thank you for your comment and for trying the recipe! The number of cookies can vary a bit depending on how large each scoop is, but I really appreciate you pointing that out.

      Dragana

  21. Selena Avatar
    Selena

    Fantastic recipie! I also added 1 tbsp of coconut flour. Absolutely delicious! Thank you 🙂

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Thank YOU, Selena, I’m so glad you liked it.

      Dragana

  22. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    Can someone please help? I want to make these in the my~
    Is there really only one cup of flour??
    Doesn’t seem like enough??
    Thanks. ❤️

    1. Dragana Avatar

      Yes Kim, 1 cup of flour.

      Dragana

  23. Janessa Avatar
    Janessa

    So I tried this recipe and the cookies were very good!
    The only thing that I had a problem with was once they were baked the cookies were super soft and crumbly.
    They break so easily and crumble in your mouth as soon as you take a bite.
    Is there a way to maybe make them more firm less crumbly?
    Thanks!
    😊

    1. Dragana Avatar

      I’m so glad you liked it, Janessa.
      There are few ways to make cookies less crumbly: You can add cornstarch, chill the dough before baking or use granulated sugar instead powdered.

      Best regards,
      Dragana

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You can find all kinds of recipes here: healthy, vegan, gluten – free, quick and easy-to-make, along with more demanding and decadent desserts. All these recipes have been tested and tasted.

About me

Hi, thanks for stopping by. I am Dragana. Welcome to my Sweet Spicy Kitchen. I’m so happy that you have found my small sweet spicy blog created from the heart, which means everything to me ♥

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