These cherry-kissed shortbread cookies are a whimsical, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a burst of cherry flavor in every bite. Topped with a luscious glaze made from maraschino cherry juice, they’re not only gorgeous but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re prepping for a festive gathering or just want a batch of feel-good cookies, these are a definite must-bake.
Ingredients for Cherry Kiss Shortbread Cookies
For the Cookies
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1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (225 g)
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3/4 cup powdered sugar (90 g)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon almond extract
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1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped (90 g)
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (280 g)
For the Glaze
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1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
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1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (60 ml) (adjust for desired consistency)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cherry Kiss Shortbread Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, combine all cookie dough ingredients by hand until a soft, uniform dough forms. While you can use a mixer, working the dough with your hands yields the best texture for these cookies.
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Roll the dough into balls about 1 tablespoon each or use a small cookie scoop. Place them spaced evenly apart on ungreased baking sheets.
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Bake for 15–17 minutes until the bottoms are just lightly golden. Remove and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
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For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, cherry juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze and place them on a sheet lined with wax paper. For extra sweetness and shine, dip a second time once the first layer has set.
These cherry shortbread cookies are as pretty as they are scrumptious. The buttery texture, the hint of almond, and the sweet cherry glaze come together in one harmonious, bite-sized treat. Perfect for holiday cookie swaps, tea parties, or just because you deserve something special, these cookies are bound to be a favorite. Don’t skip the double glaze—it gives them that extra pop of flavor and shine that makes them truly unforgettable.
Want to give them a twist? Try adding a few chopped pistachios or white chocolate chips into the dough for an elevated variation. Happy baking!
