Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Sweet and decadent maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookie bars burst with vibrant flavor that will make taste buds dance.

These delightful treats combine the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies with a playful twist of bright red cherries.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet, tangy maraschino cherries nestled in a soft, buttery base.

The colorful cherries peek through the golden cookie layer, creating an irresistible visual appeal that promises pure indulgence.

Chilled or fresh from the oven, these cookie bars deliver a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Prepare to win hearts with every single delectable square.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 12

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Ingredients

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for tender cookie texture, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture, look for fresh, soft brown sugar without hardened clumps.
• Granulated Sugar: Creates crisp edges and balanced sweetness, select fine-grain sugar for smooth mixing.

• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure, use fresh room-temperature eggs for optimal integration.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers warm, classic baking aroma, opt for pure extract over synthetic versions.
• Almond Extract: Introduces subtle nutty complexity, use sparingly to avoid overwhelming other flavors.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender cookie base, ensure flour is fresh and sifted for smooth consistency.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly, check expiration date for maximum effectiveness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds rich, melty pockets of chocolate, select high-quality chocolate for best taste.
• Maraschino Cherries: Introduces vibrant color and sweet-tart burst, drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

Bakeware and Tools for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• 8×8-inch baking dish: Essential for creating perfectly shaped bars.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and preventing sticking.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cookie dough ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Great for folding mix-ins and smoothing the dough surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping maraschino cherries.
• Sharp knife: Helps chop cherries into small, even pieces.
• Paper towels: Helps drain and dry maraschino cherries.

Bake and Cool Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Easily

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees. Grab your baking dish and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal.

• Prepare Cherry Gems

Rescue those bright red maraschino cherries from their liquid home. Pat them dry with paper towels and chop them into tiny, delightful pieces.

• Create Cookie

In a big mixing bowl, whip the butter and sugars until they’re fluffy and dreamy. Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything looks perfectly combined. Gently fold in flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Tumble in chocolate chips and those chopped cherry treasures. For an extra burst of color, add a splash of cherry juice.

• Shape the Bars

Press the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing it out like a baker’s canvas. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for a gorgeous finish.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the hot oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a center that’s set but still soft and inviting.

• Serve and Enjoy

Once completely cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Slice into 16 squares of pure deliciousness. Munch them solo or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for ultimate happiness.

Tips for the Best Cherry Cookie Bar Texture

• Thoroughly drain and pat maraschino cherries dry to prevent excess liquid from making bars soggy. Use paper towels and gently press to remove moisture.
• Don't overmix the dough to maintain a soft, tender cookie bar texture. Mix ingredients just until combined for the best results.
• Add a tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice to give the dough a delightful light pink color without compromising the texture.
• Swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Replace butter with vegan margarine, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version of these delicious bars.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Cherry Chocolate Delight Plating: Dress up your bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, letting the cold sweetness complement the warm, gooey cookie base.
• Sweet Breakfast Twist: Pair these bars with a morning cappuccino or hot chocolate for a decadent breakfast treat that feels like a special indulgence.
• Dessert Party Centerpiece: Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings, creating an eye-catching dessert display that will impress guests.
• Gifting Gourmet Style: Package individual bars in clear cellophane with a ribbon, transforming them into a homemade gift perfect for friends, neighbors, or potluck gatherings.

Storage Solutions for Cookie Bar Goodness

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• Individually wrap bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, delicious texture.
• Keep bars in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread inside to maintain moisture and softness.
• Prepare cookie bar dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking. This allows flavors to develop and intensify, creating richer taste profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

You can swap in milk, dark, or white chocolate chips. Each type adds a unique flavor profile to the cookie bars.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. When you gently press the middle, it should feel set but not completely firm.

• Is it necessary to use almond extract?

Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the cherries. If you don’t have it, the bars will still taste delicious without it.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Stunning Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookie bars blend sweet cherries with rich chocolate in a nostalgic dessert. Creamy, chewy squares offer a delightful twist on classic cookies that you’ll savor with pure enjoyment.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (120 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup (100 g) maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, for a cherry flavor boost)
• 1 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (optional, for a hint of pink color)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for effortless removal of the finished bars.
2. Cherry Preparation: Thoroughly drain maraschino cherries, then finely dice into delicate morsels.
3. Creaming Process: Utilize a mixer to whip butter and sugars into a light, airy consistency. Blend in egg and extracts until perfectly unified.
4. Dough Formation: Delicately incorporate flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped cherries, creating a marbled dough with an even distribution.
5. Baking Setup: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan, artfully arranging additional chocolate chips across the surface for visual and flavor enhancement.
6. Oven Transformation: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, achieving golden-brown edges while maintaining a tender center.
7. Cooling and Cutting: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan, then use parchment paper to lift out the entire batch. Slice into 16 precise squares, revealing the vibrant cherry-chocolate medley within.

Notes

Drain Cherries Thoroughly: Excess moisture can make bars soggy, so pat maraschino cherries completely dry with paper towels to maintain ideal texture and prevent potential sogginess.

Prevent Overmixing Dough: Mix flour just until combined to keep bars tender and avoid developing tough, dense texture that can result from excessive gluten development.

Temperature Control Matters: Allow butter to soften at room temperature but not melt completely, ensuring proper creaming and creating a light, fluffy base for the cookie bars.

Customize Add-Ins Strategically: Consider alternative mix-ins like white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to complement the cherry flavor and add extra depth to the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg