Cherry Shortbread
Delightful cherry shortbread combines buttery richness with sweet maraschino cherries and crunchy nuts, perfect for festive occasions or a delightful treat with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine margarine, flour, brown sugar, maraschino cherries, and nuts in a bowl and add just enough cherry juice to form into rolls of dough.
- Wrap the rolls of dough in wax paper and chill overnight.
- Slice each roll into slices 1/4-inch thick.
- Place slices on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly brown.
- For an extra touch, roll the dough in nuts or in red sugar before chilling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're looking for a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts or substitute with seeds. To enhance the cherry flavor, use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries. If you're short on time, skip chilling the dough overnight and chill for at least 30 minutes instead.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Shortbread cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a festive touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce. They also make a delightful addition to holiday cookie platters, complementing other treats like Gingerbread Cookies or American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the slices before baking. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Shortbread contains roughly 1111 calories, with 8g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Absolutely! You can substitute maraschino cherries with dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of adjusting the sweetness, as some fruits may be more tart than others.
What can I do if the dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels too crumbly and won't hold together, gradually mix in more cherry juice or a bit of water, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Be cautious not to add too much liquid, as it may affect the texture.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by replacing margarine with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Ensure that any nuts used are also raw and unsweetened, and check that the cherries are vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain additives.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).