White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
If you have a soft spot for delicate, buttery cookies that bring both sweetness and a touch of tartness, this White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe is going to be your new favorite treat. Combining the luscious creaminess of white chocolate with the bright, fruity bursts of cherries, these shortbread cookies are tender yet have just enough crumbly texture to melt in your mouth. They make an excellent addition to any cookie platter or a lovely homemade gift, and the balance of flavors keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe keeps things straightforward with simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect cookie. From the buttery base that gives richness, to the cherries adding a natural pop of flavor, every component enhances the final delightful bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The essential foundation providing structure and the classic shortbread texture.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb unique to shortbread.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and that signature buttery flavor critical to shortbread.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Delicate sweetness that dissolves smoothly into the dough for even flavor distribution.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting note.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Creamy sweetness that complements the cherries perfectly.
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped: Adds chewy, tart bursts that contrast delightfully with the sweet dough.
- 1-2 tbsp milk (if needed): Used sparingly to bring the dough together without making it sticky.
How to Make White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and are easy to remove without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. This step is important for distributing the leavening evenly and ensuring the cookies have the ideal crumbly texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter together with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key for the tender texture you expect from a perfect shortbread cookie.
Step 4: Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar—it adds a subtle warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor that will tie all ingredients together.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Butter Mixture
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until the dough just holds together. If the dough feels too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the perfect consistency for shaping.
Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Cherries
Gently fold the white chocolate chips and chopped dried cherries into the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This helps every cookie have those wonderful pockets of sweetness and tart goodness.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet, then gently flatten each ball slightly to ensure even baking and to achieve that classic shortbread shape.
Step 8: Bake
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color. This hints that your cookies are perfectly baked—soft and buttery inside with just the right crisp edge.
Step 9: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and helps them set to the ideal texture.
How to Serve White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming touch when serving your cookies, consider sprinkling a tiny bit of powdered sugar over the top. A few whole dried cherries or white chocolate shavings alongside can also elevate the presentation, making them look as special as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of creamy milk. Serve them alongside a fruit platter or a light dessert wine to add a sophisticated complement that highlights their sweet and tangy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe on a pretty plate tied with a ribbon for gifting. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with a layer of cherry jam or white chocolate ganache for an irresistible twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, making them perfect for baking in advance of special occasions.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, you can warm them slightly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to bring back that freshly baked aroma and softness. A quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds also works well if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried in the White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! If using fresh cherries, make sure to chop and pit them finely and possibly reduce any additional moisture in the dough by adjusting milk quantities as needed to keep the consistency right.
What if I don’t have cornstarch on hand?
Cornstarch helps create that tender texture, but if you’re in a pinch you can substitute with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or even reduce the flour slightly, though the texture might be a bit different.
Can I swap the white chocolate chips for something else?
Feel free to experiment! Milk or dark chocolate chips work wonderfully, and even chopped nuts can add a delightful crunch if you prefer a less sweet alternative.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh and delicious for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the harmony of flavors and textures in the White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re baking them for yourself on a cozy afternoon or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet moments. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly they become a beloved staple in your baking routine!
Print
White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies combine a tender, buttery shortbread base with sweet white chocolate chips and tart dried cherries for a delightful treat. Perfectly crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture make them an irresistible dessert 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: 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 evenly distribute the leavening and salt throughout the flour base.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer or wooden spoon to cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps in achieving a tender cookie.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture to infuse the dough with rich flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, mixing lightly until the dough just starts to come together. If the dough is too crumbly or dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it holds together but is not sticky.
- Fold in Chips and Cherries: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped cherries to evenly distribute them without overworking the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and gently press down to slightly flatten each cookie for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are done but still tender inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up without becoming overly hard.
Notes
- If using fresh cherries, be sure to pit and chop them finely to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to preserve a tender texture.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality white chocolate chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- The addition of cornstarch contributes to the shortbread’s delicate crumb and helps keep the cookies tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
