Cherry Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Cherry Christmas Shortbread Cookies are so traditional that we hear they are a favourite of Santa Claus. Be sure to leave some on his cookie plate when he visits your home. Plus, a carrot for Rudolph of course!
Bonus: These cookies are incredibly simple to make!
If you want more of a challenge, use a star tip and piping bag to create circles. Then top with a glazed red or green cherry.
Cherry Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Glazed red and green cherries for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 F.
- Cream together the butter and the sugar for 5 minutes.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla. Beat to combine.
- Pour in the flour and beat just until the dough comes together.
- Chill in the refrigerator.
- Use a tablespoon to break off pieces of dough all the same size. Aim for 1-inch rounds.
- Roll each piece of dough into a ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with a fork. Top each cookie with a cherry.
- Bake in oven until light brown on the edges, approximately 12-15minutes.
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tray.
Pastry Chef Tips and Tricks
Working with room-temperature ingredients is a baking practice that professionals use. This allows ingredients to combine more easily.
For best results, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping it into rounds. Give each round cookie space on the baking sheet for expansion in the oven.
Placing the tray in the refrigerator for a final 15 minutes before baking helps keep the cookie’s shape.
Once baked, store your Cherry Christmas Shortbread Cookies in an air-tight container for up to a week. That’s if you don’t eat them first!