Description
These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are a simple and festive treat that combines buttery shortbread with a pop of sweetness from maraschino cherries. They’re quick to make, deliciously light, and perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift. With only four ingredients, these cookies are an easy, flavorful addition to your holiday cookie collection!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Maraschino cherries (halved)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking. - Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step will give the cookies their smooth texture. - Add the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and slightly crumbly. - Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. - Create the Indentations
Press each ball gently with your thumb or a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. - Add the Maraschino Cherry
Place a maraschino cherry half in the center of each cookie. This adds both color and sweetness. - Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain soft but set. - Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without breaking apart. - Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, enjoy these festive shortbread cookies with the vibrant pop of cherry in the center!
Notes
- If you want a smoother texture, make sure the butter is softened completely before mixing.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be lightly golden on the edges, not brown.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
- You can substitute maraschino cherries with other fruits like raspberries for a different twist.
- If you prefer a thicker dough, you can chill it for 10-15 minutes before rolling the dough into balls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30mg