Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

Introduction

Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies are the perfect marriage of old-world tradition and festive charm. With their melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture, bursts of chocolate, and sweet-tart cherries, they make for a colorful and irresistible holiday treat — though they’re fabulous year-round too!

History

Shortbread originated in Scotland in the 12th century, traditionally made with one part sugar, two parts butter, and three parts flour. The addition of chocolate chips is a modern twist, while maraschino cherries — popularized in America in the early 20th century — give a delightful pop of color and sweetness. Combining both gives these cookies a nostalgic yet decadent character.

Ingredients (Makes about 24 cookies)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional but divine)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped
3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Prep the cherries:
Drain the maraschino cherries well, pat them dry with paper towels, and chop into small bits. Set aside on paper towels to dry more while you make the dough.
Cream the butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until combined.
Mix the dough:
Slowly add in the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. Fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips evenly.
Shape and chill:
Divide the dough in half. Form each into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
Cool:
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Methods

Creaming method for a soft, tender crumb.
Slice-and-bake method ensures uniform size and bake.
Chilling is essential to avoid spreading and maintain that neat, round shape.

Benefits

Festive appearance – perfect for gifting or holiday trays.
Easy to store – dough can be frozen and baked as needed.
Customizable – swap cherries for cranberries, or white chocolate for a twist.
Kid-friendly – sweet and colorful, kids love

1. Mood-Boosting Treat

Chocolate chips contain small amounts of serotonin and phenylethylamine — compounds linked to improved mood and happiness.
The bright, sweet flavor of cherries adds a nostalgic, joyful experience that often brings back happy memories, especially around the holidays.

2. Energy Boost

These cookies are rich in natural carbohydrates from flour and sugar, giving you a quick energy boost — perfect with your morning coffee or for an afternoon pick-me-up.

3. Kid-Friendly & Family Favorite

With their colorful look and sweet flavor, these cookies are a huge hit with children.
A great way to get kids involved in baking — chopping cherries, rolling dough, or dipping in chocolate!

4. Shelf-Stable & Freezer-Friendly

Long shelf life – They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezer-friendly dough – You can freeze the log and slice-and-bake whenever you need a fresh batch. Perfect for last-minute guests or cravings.

5. Holiday Gifting & Celebrations

These cookies look festive and elegant, making them a popular choice for cookie exchange parties, holiday platters, and edible gift baskets.
Their bright red and dark chocolate contrast gives them a seasonal pop perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or birthdays.

6. Customizable for Dietary Preferences

Can be made with gluten-free flour for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Can be made with dark chocolate or sugar substitutes for a lower sugar option.

7. Satisfying Texture

The buttery shortbread texture melts in your mouth — satisfying cravings with just one or two cookies, helping with portion control.

8. Simple & Clean Ingredients

No preservatives or chemicals like store-bought cookies.
Made from real butter, sugar, flour, cherries, and chocolate — ingredients you can pronounce and trust.

Formation

These cookies are best shaped using the slice-and-bake log method, which gives them that signature shortbread circle. Make sure your cherries are dry to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

Nutrition (Per cookie — approx.)

Calories: 130
Fat: 8g
Carbs: 14g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 1g

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~130 kcal
Total Fat	~8g
– Saturated Fat	~5g
– Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	~20mg
Sodium	~30mg
Total Carbohydrates	~14g
– Dietary Fiber	~0.5g
– Sugars	~6g
Protein	~1g
Calcium	~10mg
Iron	~0.5mg
Potassium	~30mg

Key Nutritional Notes:

High in fat: Mainly from butter and chocolate, which gives them their rich texture.
Moderate sugar: The cherries and chocolate chips boost sweetness naturally.
Low in protein and fiber: These are treat-style cookies, not a protein-rich snack.
Contains calcium and iron in small amounts from the flour and butter.
Cholesterol is present due to real butter – which gives the cookies their signature shortbread melt.

Tips for Making Them Healthier (Optional):

Use dark chocolate chips (70% or more) for antioxidants.
Swap in whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
Use unsalted butter to control sodium levels.
Try reduced-sugar cherries or homemade maraschino to cut refined sugar.

Conclusion

Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies are more than just a treat — they’re a bite of joy, history, and love. Whether made for festive tables or quiet tea time, they evoke warmth and togetherness. Their soft crunch, fruity bursts, and smooth chocolatey bites make them unforgettable.

Cookie Lovers’ Note

People who fall in love with these cookies are usually:

Lovers of buttery desserts
Holiday cookie bakers
Chocolate-and-cherry combo fans
Nostalgic treat seekers
Children of all ages!