If you’re on the hunt for a sweet, buttery treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, then you simply must try the White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe. This delightful cookie combines the delicate crumbly texture of classic shortbread with bursts of tart cherries and creamy white chocolate, making each bite an irresistible dance of flavors. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or sneaking a few for yourself, these cookies promise a simple yet memorable dessert experience that brightens any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a starring role in creating that perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and texture you crave in a homemade cookie.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the essential base for a tender, buttery crumb that’s the hallmark of shortbread.
- Cornstarch: Adds a subtle softness to the dough, making the cookies melt delightfully in your mouth.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: The heart of the recipe, offering richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture when softened and creamed.
- Powdered sugar: Whispers sweetness into the dough and contributes to the cookie’s delicate crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the cherries and white chocolate.
- White chocolate chips: Provide creamy pockets of sweetness that elevate each bite.
- Dried cherries (or fresh, pitted cherries): Add vibrant bursts of tartness and a chewy contrast that pairs beautifully with the rich white chocolate.
- Milk (optional): Used sparingly to bring the dough together if it feels too dry, ensuring the perfect consistency.
How to Make White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius). While the oven reaches the perfect temperature, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup, setting you up for a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, take a moment to whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. This step ensures your dry ingredients are well combined for an even texture throughout your cookies, laying the foundation for shortbread perfection.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, blend the softened unsalted butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, which is vital for that tender, crumbly texture we adore in shortbread cookies.
Step 4: Add Vanilla
Stir in your vanilla extract to the butter and sugar combo. This simple addition brings the dough to life with its warm, comforting aroma—a hint that deliciousness is well on its way.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing carefully until the dough just comes together. If you find the dough a bit dry or crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time to help it hold without losing that perfect shortbread texture.
Step 6: Add White Chocolate and Cherries
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped cherries. These little bursts of flavor are what make the White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe stand out, so take your time folding to distribute them evenly without overworking the dough.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough and roll each into a ball. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out, and gently press them down so they’re slightly flattened—this helps them bake evenly and creates that classic shortbread shape.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely for the edges to turn a light golden color. This is your sign that the shortbread’s buttery crust is perfectly baked while the centers stay tender.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—this allows them to firm up gently. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, so you can fully enjoy that delicate texture and the interplay of rich white chocolate with tangy cherries.
How to Serve White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar over these cookies just before serving. Not only does it enhance their charming appearance, but it also adds a whisper of extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the natural tartness of the cherries.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making afternoon breaks feel like a mini celebration. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cherry sorbet to echo the fruity notes within the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe on a tiered dessert stand at a party or packing a few into a beautifully wrapped gift box as a heartfelt homemade present. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or cherry jam, creating irresistible cookie sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them sealed protects their delicate texture and keeps the flavors fresh, so each bite tastes just as amazing as on day one.
Freezing
To enjoy these treats well beyond their baking day, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to relish their buttery goodness.
Reheating
If you want to warm up your White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes. This gently heats them through without drying out their lovely tender crumb, reviving their fresh-from-the-oven charm.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried in the White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! If you opt for fresh cherries, make sure to chop them finely and remove all pits. Keep in mind that fresh cherries have more moisture, so you may need to slightly reduce any added milk or adjust baking time to avoid soggy spots.
Is it possible to substitute white chocolate chips for a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can swap white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips if you prefer. Just remember that this will alter the flavor profile, making the cookies less sweet and adding a richer chocolate taste, which can be delightful in its own way.
Why is cornstarch used in this cookie recipe?
Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that makes these cookies extra tender and soft. It helps break up the gluten in the flour so the shortbread has that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels incredibly luxurious.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make the White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Just be cautious with the texture—it may require a touch more liquid or resting time in some cases.
How can I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much while baking?
To prevent excessive spreading, make sure your butter is softened but not melted when you cream it with sugar. Chilling the dough for 15 to 30 minutes before shaping can also help the cookies keep their shape during baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe that makes it a standout in any cookie collection. With its perfectly tender crumb, luscious white chocolate, and spirited cherry notes, this recipe invites you to slow down and savor the simple joys of homemade baking. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these cookies as much as I do—they are a sweet celebration in every bite.
Print
White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these tender White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies, featuring a buttery, crumbly texture complemented by sweet white chocolate chips and tart dried cherries. Perfectly baked to a light golden edge, these cookies offer a harmonious blend of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (if needed for dough consistency)
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped (or fresh cherries, chopped and pitted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt to combine evenly and avoid any lumps.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, indicating it’s well aerated for a tender cookie.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the cookie dough with a sweet aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, incorporate 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until it holds together without being sticky.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped dried cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough without overmixing.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart and gently press down to slightly flatten them for even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are baked through but still tender.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their delicate texture.
Notes
- If using fresh cherries, make sure they are pitted and chopped finely to avoid excess moisture affecting the dough consistency.
- Add milk sparingly as needed; too much moisture can make the dough too sticky and soften the cookies excessively.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- For a festive twist, substitute white chocolate chips with white chocolate chunks or drizzle melted white chocolate on cooled cookies.
- Cornstarch contributes to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture characteristic of shortbread cookies.
