White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a festive, buttery delight with bits of sweet dried cherries and creamy white chocolate throughout. With their crumbly texture and rich flavor, these cookies are perfect for holidays, gifting, or enjoying with a hot beverage. Their beautiful appearance and irresistible taste make them a standout addition to any cookie tray.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourunsalted butterconfectioners’ sugardried cherries (finely chopped)white chocolate chipsvanilla extractalmond extractsalt

directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar until creamy and smooth.

Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.

Fold in the chopped dried cherries and white chocolate chips.

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls or roll and cut into rounds using a cookie cutter.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.

Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 12-15 minutesCooling time: 15 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use dark chocolate chips instead of white for a richer contrast.

Add chopped pistachios or pecans for a nutty crunch.

Dip half the cooled cookies in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried cherries.

Replace dried cherries with cranberries for a tangier twist.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 2 months.Thaw at room temperature or briefly warm in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

No, fresh cherries contain too much moisture and can affect the cookie texture.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is not required but can help the cookies hold their shape better.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month.

What’s the best way to chop dried cherries?

Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors lightly coated with flour to prevent sticking.

Can I omit the almond extract?

Yes, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor that pairs well with cherries.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading?

Measure flour accurately and avoid overmixing the dough.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

No, the tartness of cherries balances the sweetness of white chocolate perfectly.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just be sure to bake in batches or use multiple trays.

Are they good for gifting?

Yes, they hold up well and look beautiful in holiday tins or boxes.

Do they freeze well after baking?

Yes, they freeze and thaw beautifully without losing texture or flavor.

Conclusion

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery richness, sweet fruit, and creamy chocolate. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Make a batch and enjoy a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

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