Name: Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 cup powder sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 1/4 cup flour; 1 cup chopped nuts; 2 cups candied cherries, quartered (red, green, or a combination)

There’s something so nostalgic and festive about these Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe—they’re bursting with colorful candied cherries and little nutty bites, making every bite feel like a holiday celebration. They’re the perfect treat to bring out when you want to create cozy memories in your kitchen.

A white round plate holds a pile of eleven soft cookies with a light golden color. The cookies have many red pieces scattered all over them with some green bits mixed in, giving a colorful look. The plate has an artistic swirl design on its rim. It sits on a white marbled surface with some crumbs nearby. Green pine branches and two red shiny Christmas baubles are placed above the plate. On the right side, a glass of milk is partially visible on the same white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made so many Christmas cookies over the years, but nothing quite compares to the Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe. They are festive without being fussy, and the blend of buttery dough with those jewel-like cherries always pulls me right back to holiday moments with family.

Perfect holiday colors: The reds and greens from the candied cherries give these cookies a cheerful look without any extra decorating needed.
Simple ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just pantry basics and some chopped nuts and cherries.
Delightfully chewy texture: The combination of chopped nuts and cherries makes these cookies chewy and satisfying, with a little crunch.
Make ahead friendly: Rolling the dough into logs and chilling makes the baking process a breeze on busy days.

A stack of six round cookies sits in the center, each cookie light golden with visible red cherry pieces scattered throughout, showing a slightly rough but soft texture. The cookies are stacked unevenly, creating a casual, homemade feel. Behind the stack, there is a small red gift box with a gold top and red bow, a red and gold nutcracker figure standing tall, and a red Christmas ornament ball to the right. The background and surface are a clean white marbled texture with some green pine branches and small red accents. The overall scene has a festive holiday vibe, focused on the warm colors of the cookies and decorations. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe plays a key role in texture and flavor. The butter gives richness and tenderness, while powdered sugar keeps things light and smooth. I recommend using fresh, good-quality nuts and candied cherries for the best taste and appearance.

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar, a single whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden vanilla extract, a small pile of unbleached all-purpose flour, a small heap of chopped raw nuts with natural brown and cream tones, and a small white ceramic bowl containing a colorful mix of quartered red and green candied cherries, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Using softened, unsalted butter helps the cookies stay soft and rich without extra saltiness.
Powdered sugar: It blends seamlessly into the butter, creating a smooth base for the dough.
Egg: The egg binds everything together and adds moisture for that perfect chew.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla amplifies flavors without overpowering the cherries.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure; measuring carefully ensures cookies aren’t dry or heavy.
Chopped nuts: I like walnuts or pecans—toast them lightly first to enhance the flavor.
Candied cherries: Red or green, quartered for even distribution, they bring festive color and a sweet burst in every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe is. Once you get the basic dough down, feel free to play around with the nuts you use or even add a bit of orange zest for a citrus twist. The dough is forgiving, so you can make it your own!

Variation: One year, I swapped half the nuts for chopped dried cranberries — it added tang and looked beautiful mixed with the cherries.
Nut-free option: Simply omit the nuts and toss in some extra cherries or even white chocolate chips for a kid-friendly version.
Spice it up: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg brings cozy warmth, perfect for colder nights.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the butter and sugar

I start by softening the butter so it creams easily with the powdered sugar. Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is key to a tender cookie.

Step 2: Incorporate egg and vanilla

Next, I add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. This enriches the dough and adds that classic flavor background we all love in holiday baking.

Step 3: Slowly add in the flour

Now the flour goes in slowly—sifted is best—to avoid any lumps and to keep your dough tender. Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough, and nobody wants that.

Step 4: Fold in nuts and cherries gently

This is my favorite part: folding in the quartered cherries and chopped nuts. Be gentle to avoid smashing the cherries but thorough enough to distribute them evenly. This makes each cookie a little holiday surprise.

Step 5: Form dough logs and chill

Divide the dough into thirds and place each portion onto parchment or wax paper. Roll into logs about 2 inches in diameter, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This chilling step makes slicing easier and the cookies hold their shape beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Slice and bake

Once chilled, unwrap the logs and slice into ¼ inch thick rounds with a sharp knife. Place each slice on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 13-15 minutes, or until just light golden around the edges. Don’t overbake—these cookies stay delightful when soft with a slight crunch.

Top Tip

Making any new cookie recipe can feel tricky at first, but this Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe really comes together smoothly with a few simple tips I learned over the years. These little insights can make your holiday baking run so much easier.

Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter and powdered sugar cream properly, creating the right dough texture.
Don't skip chilling: Refrigerating the logs prevents spreading and keeps your cookies neat and pretty.
Quarter the cherries: Smaller pieces distribute better and reduce the risk of cherries bleeding into the dough during baking.
Watch your bake time: Pull the cookies out just as the edges turn golden for a soft, chewy bite—overbaking dries them out.

How to Serve Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe

Cherry Christmas Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—no extra frosting or sprinkle needed. The natural colors of the red and green cherries are festive enough. If you want to get fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving always looks like a fresh snowfall.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic alongside a hot cup of cocoa or a spiced holiday latte. I’ve also enjoyed them with a cheese board featuring mild cheeses and nuts for a festive dessert spread that guests really appreciate.

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged these cookies on a tiered holiday dessert stand surrounded by fresh pine branches and cinnamon sticks—it made for a beautiful centerpiece at our Christmas party. You can also gift-wrap them in cellophane tied with ribbon for sweet homemade gifts that everyone will cherish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I usually place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking and keep them fresh and moist.

Freezing

I freeze the dough logs wrapped tightly in parchment and foil before baking—they store great for up to two months. When I’m ready to bake, I just thaw the logs overnight and slice as usual. It’s a lifesaver during hectic holiday weeks.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm, I pop leftover cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes—this refreshes their chewiness without drying them out. Microwave works too but be careful not to overheat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute fresh cherries for candied cherries in this recipe?

Fresh cherries have a lot more moisture and won't hold up the same way in this dough. Candied cherries provide sweetness and color without watering down the cookie texture, so I recommend sticking with them for best results.

How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much while baking?

The key is chilling the dough logs well before slicing and baking. Cold dough holds its shape and prevents excessive spreading, resulting in perfectly round cookies every time. Also, avoid using very soft butter as this can make the dough too loose.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Keep in mind that texture might be slightly different, but the overall flavor and festive appearance will still shine through.

How long can I keep the dough logs in the refrigerator?

You can refrigerate the dough logs for up to 3 days before baking. Beyond that, it’s best to freeze them to preserve freshness and texture until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Christmas Cookies Recipe is truly a little holiday gift from my kitchen to yours. Every time I bake them, I’m reminded of festive mornings spent with family, laughter filling the air, and the simple joy of sharing something homemade. Give them a try—you’ll find they’re as heartwarming to bake as they are to eat!