Description
Simple shortbread cookies flavored with almond extract and studded with bright red maraschino cherries for a festive look.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained well
- Extra maraschino cherry halves for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Roll the dough into small balls or press it into a 9-inch round pan. If making balls, flatten slightly. If using a pan, prick the surface with a fork.
- Place a cherry half on top of each cookie, if desired.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure the maraschino cherries are very dry before adding them to the dough to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- You can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for a slightly thicker cookie.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 18 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 35
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 25
Keywords: Christmas cookies, shortbread, maraschino cherry, almond, holiday baking, butter cookies