White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies – A Sweet, Festive Treat for Any Occasion
Enjoy the perfect combination of creamy white chocolate and sweet maraschino cherries in these irresistible White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies. A delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treat for all ages!
White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies – A Sweet, Festive Treat for Any Occasion
When you’re craving a cookie that’s both rich and delicate, these White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the answer! The creamy white chocolate chips and the sweet, juicy maraschino cherries blend perfectly into the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread dough. Whether you’re baking for a special holiday, a gathering with friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies are a delightful indulgence that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients for White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
How to Make White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or beat by hand, but a mixer makes the process quicker.
3. Add the Vanilla Extract
Stir in the vanilla extract, giving the dough a subtle aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the white chocolate and cherries.
4. Mix in the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. You may need to use your hands to knead it a bit, as shortbread dough is typically thicker and denser.
5. Add the Cherries and White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips. Be sure to drain and pat the cherries dry before chopping them to avoid excess moisture in the dough. The cherries add a burst of color and sweetness, while the white chocolate brings a smooth, creamy texture to each bite.
6. Form the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a more uniform shape, you can lightly flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your hand.
7. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Shortbread cookies don’t spread much during baking, so you can place them fairly close together on the sheet.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the deliciously sweet and buttery flavor with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk.
Why You’ll Love These White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies
- Buttery Perfection: These cookies are the epitome of shortbread—rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Festive Flavors: The combination of maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips gives these cookies a sweet, fruity, and creamy flavor that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or special occasions.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few ingredients, these cookies come together quickly and easily. No fancy tools or complicated methods required.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily swap the maraschino cherries for dried cranberries, raisins, or even dark chocolate chips if you prefer.
Tips for Perfect White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies
- Chill the Dough: For slightly firmer cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This step is optional but can help the cookies keep their shape better.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since white chocolate is a key ingredient in this recipe, opt for good-quality white chocolate chips for the best taste.
- Be Careful with the Cherries: Drain and pat the maraschino cherries dry before adding them to the dough to prevent the cookies from becoming too soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies store well. After baking, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake fresh cookies whenever you like.
Can I use dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Dried cherries can be a great substitute for maraschino cherries, adding a more concentrated cherry flavor and a chewy texture to the cookies.
Can I use another type of chocolate?
Yes, you can easily swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips. The sweetness of the white chocolate is balanced by the tartness of the cherries, so feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just to enjoy as an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress with their buttery, sweet, and creamy flavor. The blend of maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips creates a delightful combination that’s both festive and delicious.
Related Recipes You May Like:
- Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: A crunchy, buttery shortbread cookie with a touch of festive cranberry and pistachio.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies: Soft, chewy cookies loaded with white chocolate and macadamia nuts.
- Gingerbread Cookies: A holiday classic, perfect for decorating or gifting.
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