Christmas Cherries: Citrus Holiday Cookies Bursting with Festive Flavor
Tangy zest meets jewel-toned fruit in tender, melt-in-your-mouth festive cookies.
Christmas Cherries: Festive Citrus Cookies for the Holidays
When the holidays arrive, nothing feels more celebratory than a tray of homemade cookies. Christmas Cherries cookies bring together the brightness of citrus with the nostalgic sweetness of candied cherries, creating a treat that is both visually stunning and deliciously refined. These cookies, adapted from a cherished Helen Corbitt recipe and popularized by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, are easy to make and ideal for sharing throughout your festive season.
Why Christmas Cherries Stand Out
- Bright citrus flavors from orange and lemon zest add freshness to each bite.
- Candied cherries provide a jewel-like finishing touch, making cookies pop with holiday color.
- Buttery, tender texture that melts in your mouth—perfect paired with coffee or cocoa.
- Not overly sweet—these are balanced cookies that appeal to all ages.
Table: Key Ingredients at a Glance
| Ingredient | Role in Cookie | Holiday Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | Adds moisture, richness, and tenderness | Classic holiday baking staple |
| Sugar | Sweetens and lightens dough | Essential for cookie plates |
| Egg yolks | Enhances richness, binds ingredients | Lends a golden hue |
| Lemon & Orange Zest | Delivers citrus aroma and zing | Seasonal freshness |
| Candied Cherries | Colors and flavors the cookie | Festive red and green accents |
Classic Christmas Cherries Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks, beaten
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted twice
- Candied red and green cherries (available during holidays)
Yield: About 36 cookies
Prep Time: ~1 hr 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: Approximately 1 hr 35 mins
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cream butter and sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat softened butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate egg yolks, vanilla, citrus zests, and lemon juice. Scrape down the bowl and mix again to ensure even blending.
- Sift and add flour: Sift the flour twice for extra lightness, then add to the mixer. Blend just until combined—do not overmix.
- Chill dough: Transfer dough into a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until firm. This step is crucial for easy shaping and a tender crumb.
- Prepare cherries: Cut candied cherries in half. These are not the syrupy maraschino type—they’re firm and jewel-like, found next to the green varieties at holiday time.
- Shape and decorate: Roll dough into small balls and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press a cherry half (cut side down) into each dough ball, alternating red and green for maximum festive effect.
- Bake: Bake cookies at 300°F for about 20 minutes. Remove from oven just before they begin to brown. Cool completely on wire racks before serving.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Softening butter: Let butter sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. It should be pliable but not oily.
- Sifting flour twice creates a lighter, more delicate texture—do not skip this step.
- Do not overmix: Mix flour into dough just until combined to avoid dense cookies.
- Chill the dough: Cold dough is easier to roll and prevents spreading during baking.
- Check cherries: Always use candied and not syrup-packed maraschino cherries for proper texture and stability.
The Story Behind Christmas Cherries
The origins of Christmas Cherries cookies are woven into American holiday baking traditions, where citrus and jewel-toned fruits often star in seasonal desserts. Adapted from legendary cook Helen Corbitt and revived for modern kitchens by Ree Drummond, this recipe evokes nostalgia and togetherness.
Holiday baking is as much about ritual as results—gathering loved ones, swapping stories, and teaching new generations time-honored techniques. Ree’s humorous anecdotes about protecting utensils from mischievous children and the joys of sneaking raw dough set a relatable, festive scene for bakers of all ages.
Holiday Cookie Plates: Why These Cookies Belong
- Visually striking: Red and green cherries look stunning against a golden cookie base.
- Balanced flavor: Bright citrus cuts through butter for a light finish.
- Traditional appeal: These cookies recall a simpler time and make any plate look complete.
- Pairing potential: Serve alongside classic sugar cookies, fudge, or Italian lemon knots for variety.
What others are reading
Ingredient Spotlight: Candied Cherries
Candied cherries are a hallmark of holiday baking. Unlike maraschino cherries, candied versions are preserved in sugar and come in bright red and green—ideal for Christmas cookies.
- Purchasing: Typically found near holiday baking supplies.
- Handling: Rinse if sticky, slice in half to top cookies.
- Substitutions: For a twist, try candied pineapple or use all-red cherries depending on preference.
Variations & Adaptations
Adapt the Christmas Cherries cookie for your family’s tastes or dietary needs:
- Add almond extract or swap vanilla for a new depth of flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose (texture may vary).
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free margarine.
- Citrus boost: Add extra zest for an even brighter cookie.
- Sand sugar coating: Roll dough balls in colored sanding sugar before baking for extra sparkle (as per thumbprint cookie versions).
Table: Christmas Cherries vs. Thumbprint Cookies Comparison
| Feature | Christmas Cherries | Thumbprint Cookies |
|---|---|---|
| Main Fruit Topper | Candied cherries (red & green) | Usually jam or maraschino cherries |
| Dough Base | Citrus-infused, buttery | Often plain, almond, or with baking powder |
| Texture | Tender and melt-in-mouth | Slightly chewier or crumbly |
| Holiday Appeal | High—classic festive look | Popular, but less visually striking |
Storing & Sharing Your Cookies
- Airtight storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Tightly wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving.
- Gifting: Arrange in festive tins or wrap in cellophane for neighbors, teachers, or holiday parties.
FAQs: Christmas Cherries Cookies
Q: Can I use maraschino cherries instead of candied cherries?
A: No. Maraschino cherries are packed in liquid syrup and too moist for this recipe—candied cherries are essential for proper texture and appearance.
Q: Is double-sifting flour necessary?
A: Yes. Double sifting ensures a lighter dough and more delicate finished cookie.
Q: Why chill the dough?
A: Chilled dough keeps cookies from spreading and is easier to handle when shaping.
Q: How do you know when the cookies are done?
A: Remove from oven before browning—edges should be just set and bottoms barely golden.
Q: Can the recipe be doubled?
A: Absolutely! Double all ingredients and chill dough in batches.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Dough too sticky? Chill longer or add a scant spoonful of flour.
- Cookies flatten during baking? Ensure dough is very cold and your oven is accurate.
- Cherry sinking into dough? Very gently press only halfway—cherry should sit atop, not inside.
Serving Ideas: Beyond the Cookie Plate
- Hot cocoa pairing: Citrus and cherry brightens up a winter cup.
- Topping cakes: Place cookies around a cake for a fun border.
- Holiday brunch: Offer with fruit salad and spiced tea.
- Edible ornaments: Attach ribbon to cooled cookies and hang on your tree (for a whimsical touch).
Final Notes
Whether you are new to holiday baking or a seasoned pro, Christmas Cherries cookies deserve a place on your dessert table. Citrus, butter, and festive cherries combine to create memories and merriment with every batch. Pass this recipe down, adapt it to your tastes, and celebrate the joy it brings—one cookie at a time.
References
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