Name: Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies You’ll Adore
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 264 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup maraschino cherries (chopped or whole)

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As the scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, it’s hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you. Today, I’m excited to share my Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies, a delightful treat that takes holiday baking to the next level. With their soft texture and sweet cherry flavor, these cookies are a joyful addition to any festive gathering. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch, making it perfect for those last-minute party prep moments. They not only look stunning on a cookie tray but also melt in your mouth, leaving you wanting more. Who wouldn’t want a cookie that combines a buttery richness with the bright pop of maraschino cherries? So, are you ready to dive into this delicious recipe and impress your loved ones this holiday season?

Why Will You Love These Cookies?

Irresistible Flavor: The sweetness from maraschino cherries combined with a buttery shortbread base creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

Effortless to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Serve them alongside a refreshing Tropical Sunrise Mocktail for a delightful pairing!

Visual Appeal: Their bright color and unique presentation make these cookies a standout addition to any festive cookie tray, making them a crowd favorite.

Adaptable and Fun: Want to switch things up? Substitute with dried cherries or even add some white chocolate chips for a twist! The options are endless.

Make sure to add these Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies to your baking repertoire—you won’t be disappointed!

Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookie Ingredients

Get ready to bake your new favorite holiday treat!

For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Use room temperature for easy creaming and added richness.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and helps achieve that delightful soft texture; coconut sugar is a great substitute for a less refined option.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor complexity; almond extract can be a lovely alternative for a nutty twist.
• Almond Extract – Adds a nutty essence; feel free to omit if you’re not a fan.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice – Infuses the dough with moisture and cherry flavor; swap for cherry juice or syrup for a bolder taste.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; remember to spoon and level for accurate measurement.
• Maraschino Cherries – Offers a burst of flavor and gorgeous visual appeal; chop or leave them whole based on your preference.

These Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies are oh-so-easy to make, so gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Gradually add in ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice. Mix well until the ingredients are nicely blended and the mixture is creamy.

Step 2: Incorporate Flour and Cherries
Gently fold in 2 cups of all-purpose flour using a spatula, ensuring not to overmix. The dough should start to come together as you fold. Next, add in 1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries, continuing to mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful to maintain the cherries’ texture for that delightful burst of flavor in each cookie.

Step 3: Chill Dough
Shape your dough into a disc, approximately one inch thick. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you prefer. Chilling is essential for maintaining the cookie shape, preventing spreading during baking. This time also allows the flavors to meld perfectly in your Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies.

Step 4: Preheat & Prep
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and ensure even baking for your lovely cookies. Set your prepared sheets aside as you prepare to shape the dough!

Step 5: Shape Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, scoop out about 2 teaspoons of dough and roll it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Your cookies will look adorable and hint at the deliciousness to come!

Step 6: Bake
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned but the centers remain soft. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking, as you want to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines these marvelous Cherry Shortbread Cookies.

Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, the aromas will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to taste these delightful Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Simply follow the initial steps of mixing and chilling the dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent air exposure, which helps maintain its lovely texture. When you’re ready to bake, scoop out the chilled dough and shape the cookies. Simply bake them as instructed for fresh, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that taste just as delicious as if they were made from scratch that day. This way, you can enjoy holiday baking without the last-minute rush!

What to Serve with Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies

These delicious shortbread cookies bring warmth and sweetness to any gathering, making it easy to create a complete dessert experience.

Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy richness of hot chocolate perfectly complements the buttery flavor of the cookies, creating a cozy pairing everyone will enjoy.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream adds delightful creaminess, balancing the cookies’ textures and enhancing the cherry flavor.
Festive Fruit Salad: Brighten up your dessert table with a fresh fruit salad. The fresh fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
Coffee or Espresso: A steaming cup of coffee or a shot of espresso cuts through the sweetness, creating a classic dessert experience that coffee lovers will cherish.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream elevates these cookies, providing a light, airy contrast that melts beautifully with each bite.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For a touch of indulgence, serve fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate alongside the cookies; their tartness harmonizes with the cherries.
Pear or Cherry Tart: Keep the cherry theme flowing with a slice of pear or cherry tart; the flavors will dance beautifully together and excite your taste buds.
Sparkling Water or Lemonade: Offer refreshing sparkling water or homemade lemonade to cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on your Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies, making them even more personalized to your taste!

Dried Cherry Twist: Replace maraschino cherries with dried cherries or cranberries for a chewier texture and subtle tartness. These flavors dance beautifully with the buttery base!
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a satisfying crunch. The toasted flavor of the nuts will enhance the cherry sweetness, creating a wonderful balance.
Chocolate Splash: Incorporate white chocolate chips for a creamy addition. This sweet touch complements the tart cherries, elevating your cookies to dessert bliss.
Almond Delight: Swap out maraschino cherry juice for almond milk to deepen the flavor profile. The nutty essence adds a new dimension, making the cookies uniquely delicious.
Citrus Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the dough for a zesty brightness that lifts the cherry flavor. This fresh touch brings a delightful twist to each bite.
Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne or cinnamon. This unexpected warmth can create an intriguing contrast with the sweet cherry notes.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a perfectly safe and delicious treat. These cookies will still melt in your mouth but cater to gluten-sensitivity.
Berry Fusion: Mix in a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries along with the cherries for a delightful berry medley. This colorful variety will brighten your cookies and tantalize your taste buds.

Explore these variations to see what captures your heart! Not quite ready to try something new? Pair your cookies with a refreshing Tropical Sunrise Mocktail or enjoy them alongside a hearty bowl of High Protein Pasta for a delightful meal. Happy baking!

How to Store and Freeze Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and flavor.

Fridge: For longer freshness, keep cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, ensuring they’re in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Freeze cookies for up to 3 months by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: If you like warm cookies, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, bringing back that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience!

Expert Tips for Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Chill the Dough: Ensure to refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours. This crucial step prevents cookies from spreading and ensures they hold their shape beautifully.
Check Ingredients’ Temperature: Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and a fluffier texture. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies.
Be Gentle with Mixing: When folding in the flour and cherries, use a gentle hand to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment not only helps prevent sticking but also promotes even baking for your Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies.
Keep an Eye on Baking: Bake just until edges are lightly browned; overbaking can lead to less tender cookies. Trust your senses and watch the cookie edges closely!

Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for those that have a vibrant red color and are plump. Avoid any that are dull or have dark spots all over, as this can indicate they’re past their prime.

How should I store leftover cookies, and how long will they stay fresh?
Store your Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, which helps maintain their soft texture. If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week, ensuring they’re sealed to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze these cookies for later enjoyment?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature, or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their delightful texture.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?
If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes to help it firm up. If it’s too dry, mix in a small amount of maraschino cherry juice, one teaspoon at a time, until the texture improves. Always be gentle when mixing to maintain that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
When making these Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies, remember that maraschino cherries may contain added sugars or preservatives. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, consider using natural dried cherries instead, and opt for organic ingredients when possible to avoid unwanted additives.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?
Definitely! If you want to switch things up, you can substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries or cranberries for a different flavor profile. Additionally, replacing the almond extract with more vanilla extract will still keep your cookies delicious while accommodating those with nut allergies.