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As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves drawn into the delightful world of baking. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house, the joy of sharing treats with family and friends, and the warmth of creating something special all contribute to the magic of Christmas. Among the myriad of festive treats, Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies shine as a standout favorite. These cookies, with their buttery texture and vibrant touches of maraschino cherries, embody the spirit of the season.

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Celebrate the holiday season by baking Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies! These delightful treats offer a buttery texture with sweet, tangy cherries that make them irresistible. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings with hot cocoa, this easy recipe guides you through every step. From the creaming technique to shaping and decorating, create a memorable holiday experience filled with joy, warmth, and delicious flavors that everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped (plus extra for decoration)

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Red and green sprinkles for decoration

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

      Mix in Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.

        Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, blending on low speed until just combined.

          Fold in Cherries and Nuts: Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and, if using, the chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

            Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough (about 1 1/2 inches) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand to form a cookie shape.

              Decorate: Press a half maraschino cherry in the center of each cookie and sprinkle with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.

                Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden but the centers remain soft.

                  Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Serve and Enjoy: Once cool, serve your delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies at festive gatherings or enjoy them yourself with a warm cup of tea or cocoa!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 35 minutes | About 24 cookies