Introduction
Every year, I find myself looking for quick, delicious, and festive cookie recipes to share with family and friends during the holiday season. Among the many different cookie recipes I’ve tried, this 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies recipe has become one of my absolute favorites. The simplicity of the ingredients is what first caught my attention, and after the first bite, I knew it would become a holiday tradition. These buttery shortbread cookies are not only easy to make, but the bright, tangy maraschino cherry on top adds the perfect festive touch. My family absolutely loved these cookies, and they were gone in no time! If you’re looking for a quick and delicious treat to add to your holiday cookie platter, these cookies are the perfect option.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Maraschino cherries (halved)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick while baking and to make cleanup easier. - Cream the Butter and Powdered Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to ensure it mixes well and achieves the right texture. - Add the Flour:
Gradually add the flour to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until the dough begins to come together. You may need to use your hands to work the dough into a ball once it’s mostly mixed. - Shape the Dough into Balls:
Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them out evenly, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. - Create an Indentation and Add the Cherry:
Gently press each dough ball with your thumb or a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. Afterward, place a maraschino cherry half in the center of each indentation. This adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color that makes these cookies even more festive. - Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake. - Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set and hold their shape. - Enjoy:
Once they are cool, these shortbread cookies are ready to be enjoyed! They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a slight crunch around the edges. Perfect for a holiday treat!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Servings: 24 cookies (depending on size)
- Calories per serving: 130 calories
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve these cookies as a sweet treat at your next holiday gathering.
- Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even tea to balance out the sweetness.
- These cookies make a great addition to any cookie platter or gift baskets during the holiday season.
- Serve them on a festive plate or in a cookie jar to keep them fresh and ready to snack on.
- Pack them in an airtight container and share with neighbors, friends, or family as a thoughtful holiday gift.
Additional Tips
- Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This makes it easier to cream with the powdered sugar and ensures the dough comes together properly.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Once you’ve added the flour, avoid overworking the dough to keep the cookies light and tender.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want the dough to be easier to work with, you can chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling it into balls. This step is optional but may help if the dough is too soft.
- Use Good Quality Maraschino Cherries: The cherry on top adds flavor and color to your cookies, so make sure you use a high-quality maraschino cherry for the best taste and look.
- Make a Double Batch: These cookies are so easy to make that you might want to double the recipe to ensure there are enough to share!
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Shortbread Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist on these classic shortbread cookies. Top with a cherry for the perfect balance of chocolate and cherry.
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the dough for a bit of crunch and flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery shortbread.
- Sprinkles or Sugar: After pressing the dough into balls, roll the balls in colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles for an extra touch of fun.
- Different Fruit Toppings: Instead of maraschino cherries, try topping the cookies with a piece of candied ginger, dried cranberries, or a piece of strawberry for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cookies alongside other holiday favorites like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and snickerdoodles for a festive cookie platter.
- Pair with a cold glass of milk or your favorite holiday drink, such as eggnog or mulled wine.
- Wrap them in cellophane or place them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Serve them at a holiday cookie exchange, or as a treat for coworkers during the holiday season.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: These cookies freeze wonderfully! To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re storing them for an extended period, you can refrigerate them, but they may lose some of their texture.
FAQ Section
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe, but if you only have salted butter, just reduce or omit any additional salt in the dough. - Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies can be baked a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. - Can I substitute the maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cherries with other fruits, such as dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor. - How do I store leftover cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe is easily doubled if you want to make a larger batch of cookies for a big family gathering or holiday party. - How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure you chill the dough slightly before baking, or place the cookies in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. - Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is optional, but it can help make the dough easier to handle. - Can I add vanilla extract to the dough?
Yes, you can add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough if you prefer a more aromatic cookie. - What is the best way to serve these cookies?
These cookies are perfect served with a hot drink, as a gift, or on a holiday cookie platter.
Conclusion
These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With just four ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies that will be the highlight of any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just to enjoy with your family, these cookies are sure to impress. The festive maraschino cherry on top adds a beautiful touch that makes them stand out. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure they will become a holiday tradition in your household!