These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and wonderfully simple to make. With just a handful of basic ingredients and a bright red maraschino cherry in the center, they make a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie tray.
The cookies have that classic shortbread texture—delicate, crumbly, and rich—with just the right amount of sweetness. They’re perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, holiday gift boxes, or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Maraschino cherries, halved and well drained
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best shortbread texture.
3. Add the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as too much mixing can make the cookies less tender.
4. Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
5. Add the Cherries
Gently press your thumb or the back of a small spoon into the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation.
Place one maraschino cherry half into the center of each cookie.
6. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The cookies should remain fairly pale rather than becoming deeply browned.
7. Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookies
- Use softened butter, not melted butter, to achieve the proper texture.
- Drain the maraschino cherries well before placing them on the cookies to prevent excess moisture.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour.
- Keep the cookies relatively small for a delicate, bite-sized holiday treat.
- For an extra festive appearance, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar.
🎄 Easy Holiday Variations
For a chocolate twist, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and let it set before serving.
You can also add a tiny amount of almond or vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor. A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts around the cherry can add a delicious crunch as well.
For a colorful Christmas cookie platter, use red and green decorations alongside the cherry centers.
🍒 How to Store
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Place parchment paper between layers if you want to prevent the cookies from rubbing against each other.
For longer storage, the baked cookies can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
☕ Serving Suggestions
These buttery shortbread cookies are delicious alongside:
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Tea
- Eggnog
- Warm milk
They also make a lovely homemade addition to Christmas cookie boxes and holiday gift baskets.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24–30 cookies, depending on size
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Occasion: Christmas, Holiday Baking
❤️ Final Thoughts
These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies prove that holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With buttery shortbread, sweet powdered sugar, and a cheerful maraschino cherry center, they’re both delicious and festive.
Make a batch for your next Christmas gathering, package them as homemade gifts, or simply keep a plate ready for family and friends. 🎄🍒🍪