Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Bite into these Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies, and experience a delightful combination of buttery goodness and sweet cherry flavor. This easy recipe results in soft, crumbly cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant cherry chunks make them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies
These cookies stand out for several reasons. First, the ingredients are simple, making them easy to whip up at any time. The sweet and slightly tart flavor of maraschino cherries complements the buttery shortbread perfectly. Each bite melts away, leaving you with a satisfying treat that’s simply hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just for fun, these cookies are sure to impress.
How to Make Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, making sure there are no lumps.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chopped nuts, if using, until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create uniform cookies.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should appear slightly soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies with extra powdered sugar if desired for an appealing finish.
How to Serve Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies
These delightful cookies are perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Place them on a beautiful platter to showcase their lovely appearance. You can also pair them with fresh fruits or serve them alongside whipped cream for a special touch. Their unique flavor makes them a conversation starter at any event.
How to Store Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them for longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can freeze well for up to three months.
Tips to Make Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies Perfect
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Chop Cherries Small: For every bite to have a hint of cherry flavor, chop the cherries small but not so much that they lose their shape.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the texture tender.
- Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool sufficiently on the baking sheet before transferring them. This helps maintain their shape.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest for a refreshing brightness.
- Dried Fruits: Substitute cherries with dried cranberries or apricots for a different taste.
Pro Tips for Success
- Baking Sheet: Always use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Testing for Doneness: If unsure, check the underside of the cookie; it should be lightly golden.
- Dusting Sugar: For a professional touch, dust cookies with powdered sugar immediately after they cool down slightly.
FAQs About Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies
1. Can I substitute the butter?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter if desired. However, the flavor and texture might slightly change. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil.
2. How do I make these cookies without nuts?
Simply omit the walnuts or pecans from the recipe. The cookies will still be deliciously soft and flavorful without them.
3. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used! Just make sure to wash, pit, and chop them before adding them to the dough. You may want to adjust the sugar levels slightly, as fresh cherries tend to be less sweet than maraschino ones.
Final Thoughts
Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that combines sweetness and buttery flavor in every bite. They are simple to make, with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are the perfect addition to any table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy baking something delicious today!
Melt In Your Mouth Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Whisk together with salt to avoid lumps.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained Chop small to ensure every bite has cherry flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Optional.
- extra powdered sugar for dusting Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, making sure there are no lumps.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chopped nuts, if using, until evenly distributed.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create uniform cookies.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and cookies appear slightly soft in the center.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust cookies with extra powdered sugar if desired.
