Cherry shortbread cookies are a delightful variation of the classic shortbread cookie, with the addition of sweet and tangy cherries. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to afternoon tea. Here’s a recipe for cherry shortbread cookies that is easy to make and sure to impress.
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| Cherry shortbread cookies |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using your hands, form the dough into a ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters, or slice into rectangles or squares.
- Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Variations:
Chocolate-covered cherry shortbread cookies: Dip the cooled cookies into melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
Cherry-almond shortbread cookies: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped almonds to the dough along with the cherries.
Cherry jam-filled shortbread cookies: Cut the dough into circles and make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Spoon 1/4 teaspoon of cherry jam into each indentation and bake as directed.
Tips:
- Make sure the dried cherries are finely chopped so they are distributed evenly throughout the dough.
- Don’t overwork the dough as it can become tough and crumbly.
- Use a pastry cutter or food processor to finely chop the dried cherries if necessary.
Cherry shortbread cookies are a delightful twist on the classic shortbread cookie. With the addition of sweet and tangy cherries, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your liking with different variations and toppings. Dust these cookies with powdered sugar and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
