If you adore the perfect balance of buttery crumbly texture with sweet bursts of fruit and creamy indulgence, this White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is going to become your new go-to treat. These cookies bring together the delightful chewiness of dried cherries with the rich, velvety smoothness of white chocolate, all wrapped in a tender shortbread dough that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for holiday celebrations or just want a special snack to brighten your day, this recipe is a warm hug in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe keeps things simple by using ingredients that are easy to find yet essential for achieving that luxurious taste and texture. Each element plays its part—from the rich butter for tenderness to the almond extract for a subtle fragrant note that lifts the entire cookie experience.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The star of shortbread dough, butter ensures a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Provides a smooth sweetness and keeps the dough tender without grit.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a lovely nutty aroma that perfectly complements the cherries and white chocolate.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation of the dough; sifted flour helps maintain a delicate crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Dried cherries (3/4 cup, chopped): Offer juicy bursts of tartness and a chewy texture contrast.
- White chocolate (3/4 cup, finely chopped or chips): Infuses creamy sweetness and smoothness throughout each bite.
- Additional white chocolate (optional): For drizzling, adding a beautiful, elegant finish to your cookies.
How to Make White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dough
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This lower temperature is perfect for baking shortbread—slow and gentle heat lets the cookies get beautifully tender without browning too fast. While the oven warms up, cream together your softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy; this step’s crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Combine Dry Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, you’ll add the almond extract to give the dough an irresistible aroma. Then, whisk your flour and salt together before gradually mixing them into the butter mixture. The trick is to mix until just combined so the dough remains tender, not tough.
Step 3: Fold in Cherries and White Chocolate
Gently folding in the chopped dried cherries and finely chopped white chocolate ensures these flavorful bursts are evenly scattered throughout every bite. It’s like each cookie gets a little surprise of fruit and creamy chocolate waiting for you.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrapping the logs in plastic wrap before chilling for at least an hour helps the dough firm up, making slicing easier and ensuring your cookies keep their shape during baking.
Step 5: Slice, Bake, and Cool
Once chilled, slice your dough logs into thin 1/4-inch rounds and lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. Let them cool a few minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Add a Finishing Touch
If you want to make these cookies extra special, melt a bit of white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. This elegant finish adds a sweet sheen and makes them look as stunning as they taste.
How to Serve White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are beautiful on their own, but you can elevate the presentation with a few simple garnishes. Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-kissed look, or add a few whole dried cherries on top right after drizzling the white chocolate for a burst of color and texture.
Side Dishes
Pairing these White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe treats with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee creates a perfect afternoon indulgence. They also complement a creamy vanilla ice cream or a scoop of tart cherry sorbet if you want to serve them as part of a dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a festive tin or a rustic wooden box for gifting. Alternatively, stack them neatly on a decorative plate tied with a ribbon for a charming tea party display. The white chocolate drizzle makes them fancy enough to serve at holiday gatherings or bridal showers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe cookies, no worries! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week while maintaining their delightful texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers. They can be stored frozen for up to two months and thawed at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat.
Reheating
Though these cookies are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly warm cookie, pop one or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This will soften the cookie slightly and make the white chocolate a bit gooey without melting it too much.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried cherries with fresh cherries in this recipe?
Fresh cherries contain more moisture and wouldn’t hold up as well in shortbread dough, making dried cherries the best choice here for that perfect chewy texture without sogginess.
What type of white chocolate is best for these cookies?
Using quality white chocolate, not just white baking chips, will give you a richer, creamier flavor and a smoother texture that perfectly complements the cherries.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, though some texture adjustments might be needed since gluten-free flours behave differently in doughs.
How long should I chill the dough for?
At least one hour is ideal to keep the dough firm and easy to slice. You can chill it longer if you want, even overnight, which can enhance the flavors as well.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gifting?
Absolutely! The combination of cherries and white chocolate feels festive and indulgent, making these cookies a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe that brings warmth and joy to every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, it’s a recipe that invites happy memories and sweet moments. So grab your ingredients and start baking—you won’t regret adding these little gems to your cookie collection!
Print
White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery shortbread, sweet dried cherries, and creamy white chocolate. These cookies offer a tender, crumbly texture with a hint of almond extract, making them an irresistible treat ideal for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chopped dried cherries
- 3/4 cup finely chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips
Optional Drizzle
- Additional white chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the shortbread cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will create a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Almond Extract: Mix in the almond extract to the creamed mixture, lending a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the cookie’s taste.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and salt together to ensure even distribution before adding to the wet ingredients.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in Cherries and White Chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and finely chopped white chocolate to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
- Shape and Chill: Divide the dough into two halves, shaping each into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for slicing.
- Slice Dough: After chilling, slice the dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds, being careful to keep the slices even for uniform baking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Place the sliced rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn a delicate golden color, indicating they are cooked but still tender.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
- Optional White Chocolate Drizzle: For a finishing touch, melt additional white chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies to add an elegant look and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate rather than white baking chips for a richer, creamier flavor and better melting properties.
- These cookies freeze well; store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
