Classic Cherry Shortbread Cookies
These classic cherry shortbread cookies combine a rich, buttery crumbly dough with bursts of chewy dried cherries, making them a perfect homemade holiday treat that is quick and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup (140g) chopped dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in chopped dried cherries, ensuring even distribution without smashing them.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Unwrap chilled dough and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place slices about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use room temperature butter for best creaming results. Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender. Chill dough well before slicing to ensure clean, firm cookie shapes. If dough is too soft after chilling, chill longer. Soak dried cherries in warm water for 10 minutes if they seem dry, then pat dry. Rotate baking sheet halfway through baking if oven runs hot. Sprinkle sugar on cookies before baking for a subtle crunch and sparkle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cherry shortbread cookies, holiday cookies, easy shortbread recipe, dried cherry cookies, classic shortbread