Irresistible White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery shortbread meets sweet decadence in these white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies that will melt your heart.

Delicate crumbs blend with tangy dried cherries and smooth white chocolate for an irresistible treat.

Every bite promises a delightful balance of rich, creamy notes and bright fruit essence.

The classic shortbread base provides a tender canvas for these elegant cookies.

Crisp edges give way to a tender center bursting with vibrant cherry pieces.

Studded with white chocolate chips and ruby-red cherries, these cookies transform a simple dessert into a sophisticated indulgence.

You’ll find yourself reaching for another – and another – of these heavenly morsels that elevate afternoon tea or a cozy dessert moment.

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Instantly Chill Out: Beat the heat with this cool, creamy strawberry drink that instantly refreshes and delights your taste buds.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Create a gourmet-style beverage in minutes using simple ingredients found in most home kitchens, no professional skills required.
• Customize Your Craving: Easily adjust sweetness and toppings to match your personal flavor preferences, making it perfect for different palates and moods.
• Family-Friendly Treat: A crowd-pleasing drink that both kids and adults will love, perfect for casual gatherings, summer parties, or a sweet family dessert moment.

Ingredients For White Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking ingredient that provides structure and texture to the shortbread cookies.
• Butter: Creates a rich, tender base for the shortbread with a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in achieving a golden color during baking.

• White Chocolate Chips: Provide a creamy, sweet element that melts slightly during baking and adds richness to the cookies.
• Chopped Cherries: Introduce a tangy and fruity flavor that complements the sweet white chocolate.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures the cookies do not stick to the baking sheet and helps with easy cleanup.

Step-By-Step Cherry Shortbread Cookie Making

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect baking environment for these mouthwatering treats.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Gradually fold in the flour, stirring until the dough comes together seamlessly and creates a uniform texture.

Step 4: Add Delightful Mix-Ins

• White chocolate chips
• Chopped cherries

Ensure these tasty morsels are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into petite round balls, then softly flatten each one using your hands or the gentle press of a fork.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the cookie rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each cookie enough breathing room with about 2 inches of space between them.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes, watching for those enticing golden edges that signal cookie deliciousness.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the freshly baked cookies to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely before savoring their irresistible flavor and texture.

Tips For Perfect Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
• Toast white chocolate chips lightly in a dry skillet before adding to the dough for a richer, nuttier taste.
• Pat dried cherries with a paper towel to remove excess liquid, preventing soggy cookies and maintaining a crisp texture.
• Use high-quality white chocolate and fresh dried cherries for the most delicious and vibrant flavor profile.
• Press cookies slightly flat before baking to ensure even cooking and a consistent golden-brown edge.

Flavorful Variations For Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Cranberry White Chocolate Swap: Replace cherries with dried cranberries for a tangy, festive flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Dark Chocolate Cherry Alternative: Substitute white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, deeper taste experience.
• Vegan Cookie Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free white chocolate chips to create a plant-based version of the cookie.

Pairing Suggestions For Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Pair Decadent Wine: Select a sweet Moscato or Riesling that complements the white chocolate's creamy texture and cherries' fruity burst, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Enhance Flavor Contrast: Serve alongside a light chamomile tea or vanilla bean latte, which will balance the rich cookie's sweetness and provide a smooth, comforting background note.
• Create Texture Harmony: Garnish cookies with a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers or serve with a scoop of tangy lemon sorbet to add unexpected crunch and refreshing brightness.
• Elevate Dessert Moment: Plate the cookies with a small dollop of fresh whipped cream infused with a hint of kirsch liqueur, intensifying the cherry flavor and adding an elegant touch.

How To Store Cherry Shortbread Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, microwave each cookie for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore crisp edges and soft center. This method helps revive the original bakery-fresh taste and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, dried cherries work perfectly. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution in the cookies.

• Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required for this recipe. You can shape and bake the cookies immediately after mixing the ingredients.

• How do I prevent the white chocolate chips from burning?

Ensure you use good quality white chocolate chips and bake the cookies at the recommended temperature. If they start to brown too quickly, cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil.

• Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies are typically crisp on the edges and slightly tender in the center, with a classic shortbread texture.

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies deliver a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Crumbly, buttery shortbread meets rich white chocolate and tart cherries, creating a perfect balance that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar

Chocolate and Fruit:

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped cherries (fresh or dried)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cream softened butter and sugar together until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Incorporate flour gradually into the butter mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Gently fold white chocolate chips and chopped cherries into the dough, distributing ingredients evenly.
4. Roll dough into compact spheres, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
5. Delicately press each cookie ball using fingertips or a fork to create a slightly flattened shape.
6. Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining a 2-inch separation between each.
7. Position the baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
8. Bake for 12 minutes, monitoring until cookie edges turn a delicate golden hue.
9. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature before serving.
10. Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

Notes

• Customize cookie texture by adjusting butter temperature: slightly softened butter creates tender cookies, while cold butter produces a crumblier shortbread.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy and affecting baking consistency.
• Enhance flavor profile by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling, which complements the white chocolate and cherry sweetness.
• Accommodate gluten-sensitive diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for identical texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 136 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg