Holiday Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Directions:

1. Chop cherries and place on paper towel and cover with paper towel to remove extra liquid.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, set aside.
3. In a larger mixing bowl, or stand mixer, cream together 1 cup unsalted the softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Mix in the vanilla.
4. Add flour with salt mixture and mix on low until larger clumps begin forming.
5. Using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon, gently stir in chocolate chips and maraschino cherries.
6. Form the dough into a log and press it together well or it will crumble when you slice the cookies (the log should be about 2 inches thick) Wrap it in the plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hour.
7. After chilling the dough, preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Unwrap the chilled log and cut slices 1/4 or 1/3 inch thick – if the slices crumble, press it back together with your hands. Place the slices onto the baking sheet with one inch of space between.
9. Bake the cookies 18-20 minutes and rotate the pan after 10 minutes. They will turn golden on the bottom and the top will be set.
10. Let them cool for 10 minutes on a baking sheet before carefully transferring them to a rack to cool completely.

Notes:

• Due to the high butter content, having the dough well chilled is important for the cookies to hold their shape. After cutting the slices, you can place the baking tray in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, so they are nice and cold before baking.
• You can freeze the dough after preparation. When you have formed the dough log, wrap it with cling film and place in a freezer bag. Store in freezer for 3-4 months. No need to defrost at all before baking – just cut the dough into slices and bake immediately.