White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Oh my goodness, these White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies are an absolute dream! If you’re a fan of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, then get ready for an irresistible twist. Imagine the rich, creamy sweetness of white chocolate combined with the tartness of juicy cherries—all nestled in a delicate, crumbly shortbread base. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch because they’re that good. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because you deserve a treat, these cookies are sure to steal the spotlight. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

You’re going to fall head over heels for these cookies, and here’s why:

• Buttery Perfection: Shortbread is already a cookie classic, and this recipe takes it to the next level with a rich, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
• Sweet & Tart Flavor Combo: The sweet white chocolate and the tart, chewy cherries create a balanced flavor that’s hard to resist.
• So Easy to Make: No need for fancy equipment—just simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a stress-free bake.
• Versatile & Delicious: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays, tea time, or a snack that feels just a little bit fancy.
• Perfect Texture: The shortbread is crisp, yet crumbly, and with each bite, you get a little burst of cherry and a bit of that creamy white chocolate. Pure bliss!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create these decadent cookies:

• Unsalted Butter: The star of the shortbread. Use softened butter for that perfect texture.
• Sugar: A little sweetness to balance out the richness of the butter.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the shortbread dough.
• Cornstarch: Helps give the shortbread that light, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds a warm, comforting flavor.
• White Chocolate Chips: Sweet, creamy white chocolate that pairs perfectly with the cherries.
• Dried Cherries: These provide a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the white chocolate. You can chop them up for smaller bits or leave them whole if you prefer a bigger bite.
• Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness and balances the richness of the butter.

(Note: The full list of ingredients with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get into the good stuff! These cookies come together quickly and easily, so let’s start baking:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy clean-up. Trust me, it makes everything go smoother.

Step 2: Mix the Shortbread Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft and a little crumbly, but that’s perfect for shortbread!

Step 3: Add the White Chocolate and Cherries

Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cherries. You want the cherries and chocolate evenly distributed throughout the dough, but try not to overmix—it’s best to do this by hand with a spatula.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it into a thick disk.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Don’t worry if they’re still a little soft when you pull them out—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This gives them time to set without breaking apart.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Once they’re cool, take a moment to admire your handiwork—and then, of course, dig in! These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, or even a glass of milk.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 25mg
  Sodium: 50mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 19g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
  Protein: 1g
  Vitamin A: 4%
  Vitamin C: 0%
  Calcium: 2%
  Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are so delicious that you might not even want to share (I get it!), but here are some fun ideas for serving:

• With Tea or Coffee: These cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. The buttery flavor pairs so well with a warm beverage.
• Cookie Gift Boxes: Package them up in cute gift boxes with a ribbon for the perfect homemade gift. Who wouldn’t love receiving these?
• As a Sweet Treat: Serve them as a snack or dessert at a party or gathering. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
• Serve with Fresh Fruit: The tartness of cherries is complemented by fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. It’s a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your baking experience even better:

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is soft and at room temperature for the best texture in your cookies.
• Chop the Dried Cherries: If you prefer smaller bites of cherry in your cookies, feel free to chop the dried cherries in half or quarters before adding them to the dough.
• Customize the Recipe: Want to try something different? You can swap the white chocolate for dark chocolate or milk chocolate, or add a little zest of lemon for extra flavor.
• Chill the Dough: If you have the time, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. It helps the cookies hold their shape better, especially if it’s a hot day in the kitchen.
• Storage Tips: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them later!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
A1: Fresh cherries contain more moisture, so they may affect the texture of the cookies. If you want to use fresh cherries, make sure to chop them finely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Q2: Can I substitute the white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate?
A2: Absolutely! You can use milk or dark chocolate chips if that’s what you prefer. Both will add a slightly different flavor but will work wonderfully in the recipe.

Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend has a good structure to hold up the shortbread texture.

Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the dough! Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven without thawing (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).

Q5: How can I make the cookies softer?
A5: For softer cookies, you can reduce the baking time slightly. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-bake.

Q6: Can I add nuts to these cookies?
A6: Yes! Chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or pecans would be a lovely addition to these cookies. Just fold them in with the white chocolate and cherries.

Q7: How do I store leftover cookies?
A7: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw them before enjoying!

Q8: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A8: While butter is ideal for shortbread because of its rich flavor, you can substitute margarine if needed. Just make sure it’s unsalted to maintain the balance of flavors.

Q9: How do I make these cookies thinner?
A9: If you prefer thinner cookies, flatten the dough balls more before baking, and reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes to prevent over-baking.

Q10: Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A10: Yes! Use dairy-free butter or margarine and dairy-free white chocolate chips to make this recipe completely dairy-free.

Conclusion

These White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a true indulgence—rich, buttery, and bursting with sweet and tart flavors. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate cookie experience!

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