If you are looking for a delightfully buttery treat bursting with fruity sweetness and rich chocolate, this Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture of classic shortbread, enhanced with bright, juicy bits of maraschino cherries and the luscious pop of mini chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing or savoring with your favorite cup of tea or coffee, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a cookie experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a great first step, and this recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly components that each play a vital role. From the creamy salted butter that gives the cookies their signature richness, to the maraschino cherries that add color and sweetness, every item contributes to the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Salted butter: Using softened salted butter ensures a tender, flavorful base for the dough.
- Confectioner’s sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps give shortbread its smooth crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The essential structure provider for the cookie’s classic texture.
- Corn starch: Works alongside the flour to keep the cookies tender and delicate.
- Chopped maraschino cherries: These bursts of sweet, juicy fruit create that irresistible pop of flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips: Small pockets of rich chocolate throughout each bite, perfectly balanced with the cherries.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake your cookies to a golden perfection as soon as the dough is prepared. Meanwhile, gather your ingredients so everything is measured and within easy reach.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter and confectioner’s sugar together until smooth and creamy. This step is key for getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Taking the time to properly cream these ingredients makes the dough silky and light.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and corn starch to the creamed mixture while mixing on low speed. This gradual approach helps avoid a messy flour cloud and results in a sticky, cohesive dough that’s just right for shaping.
Step 4: Fold in Fruit and Chocolate
Now for the fun part—fold in your chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips until they are evenly scattered throughout the dough. This ensures every cookie has delightful bursts of sweet and chocolate goodness.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls for uniform cookies that bake evenly. Space them about 2 inches apart on a non-stick baking sheet to give the cookies room to spread slightly as they bake.
Step 6: Flatten and Bake
Gently press down on each dough ball with a fork to create the classic shortbread shape and texture. Bake in your preheated oven for 7-9 minutes until the tops lose their shine and feel dry to the touch, signaling they’re perfectly baked.
Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying
Once baked, transfer cookies carefully to parchment paper to cool completely. This cooling stage is essential for the cookies to set and achieve that ideal crumbly, tender consistency you’re aiming for.
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are scrumptious on their own, you can elevate their appearance and flavor with a light dusting of confectioner’s sugar or even a gentle drizzle of melted white chocolate to make them extra festive for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these shortbread cookies with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. The warmth of tea or coffee balances the richness, while milk adds a nostalgic feel reminiscent of childhood baking moments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming treat plate, arrange your Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe alongside fresh berries and a selection of nuts. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a layer of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly crisp for about a week, making them a wonderful bake-ahead snack or gift option.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies over a longer period, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen shortbread retains its flavor and texture well for up to two months.
Reheating
To revive your cookies to that just-baked feeling, warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This softens them slightly while preserving their delicate crumb. Avoid microwaving, which can make the texture gummy.
FAQs
Can I substitute unsalted butter for salted butter?
Absolutely! If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness without affecting the texture of your cookies.
Are maraschino cherries necessary, or can I use dried cherries instead?
You can use dried cherries, but keep in mind they are less juicy and will yield a chewier bite. Maraschino cherries provide that signature moist sweetness in this recipe.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The corn starch helps maintain tenderness in gluten-free versions.
How should I store these cookies if I’m gifting them?
Pack them in a sturdy tin or airtight box with parchment layers to prevent sticking or breaking. Adding a pretty ribbon always adds a charming touch.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely. Chill the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before baking. This can even enhance the flavor and texture of your shortbread cookies.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a cookie recipe that’s both simple and uniquely delightful, the Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe should be your next baking adventure. The blend of buttery dough, cherry sweetness, and chocolate chips will quickly become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, bake a batch, and delight in sharing these lovely treats with friends and family.
Print
Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies, featuring a buttery, tender crumb enhanced with sweet maraschino cherries and rich mini chocolate chips. Perfectly crisp on the outside with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup corn starch
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter and confectioner’s sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy to create a light base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and corn starch to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on low speed until a sticky dough forms, ensuring even incorporation without overworking.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips gently to evenly distribute the mix-ins throughout the dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Place them on a non-stick baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow even baking.
- Flatten Cookies: Gently press down on each dough ball with a fork to slightly flatten them, helping achieve the signature shortbread shape and texture.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes, or until the tops appear dry and are no longer shiny, indicating they are baked through but still tender.
- Cool Cookies: Transfer the cookies to parchment paper or a cooling rack to cool completely before serving, allowing them to firm up and develop their final texture.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for best creaming results.
- Chopped maraschino cherries add sweetness and a pop of color; drain excess liquid before chopping.
- Do not overbake to maintain a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a festive twist, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies.
