Introduction to Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Welcome, fellow home cooks! If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines sweet and tangy flavors, let me introduce you to my Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These bars are the perfect solution for busy days when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine the joy on your family’s faces when they take a bite—it’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug! Whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or a delightful end to a dinner party, these cookie bars are sure to impress your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they’re a lifesaver for busy moms like me. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, taking only 15 minutes to prepare! The chewy texture combined with the sweet, tangy cherries and rich chocolate chips is a taste explosion. Plus, these bars are perfect for sharing—whether at family gatherings or with neighbors, they’ll disappear in no time, leaving smiles behind.
Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in creating your delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This adds richness to the bars. Make sure it’s softened for better mixing.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar provides moisture and a deep caramel flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of granulated sugar balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Large egg: Eggs bind the ingredients, giving the bars that chewy texture we all love.
- Vanilla extract: This classic flavor enhancer will make your cookie bars sing with warmth.
- Almond extract (optional): A little almond extract can add a delightful note if you’re feeling adventurous.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our recipe, flour gives structure to the cookie bars.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly for that perfect chewy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt elevates the overall sweetness and balances the flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These little bits of heaven add rich, melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
- Maraschino cherries: The star ingredient! Their sweet and tangy burst of flavor really shines in these cookie bars.
- Maraschino cherry juice (optional): A splash of the juice can give the bars a charming pink hue, making them even more appealing.
For exact amounts of each ingredient, be sure to check the bottom of the article. Happy baking!
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This is crucial! Lining the dish ensures your lovely bars won’t stick, allowing you to lift them out easily. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for this tip when it’s time to slice them!
Step 2: Prepare the Maraschino Cherries
Now, let’s tackle those maraschino cherries. Drain them well to eliminate excess liquid, as moisture can ruin your bars. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then chop the cherries into small pieces. This helps distribute the sweet, juicy goodness throughout your cookie bars, giving every bite its delightful cherry charm.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Time to cream! In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about two minutes. This step creates air pockets, giving your bars that chewy, tender texture we all crave!
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, incorporate the egg and your lovely extracts. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re feeling adventurous. Mix until everything is blended smoothly. This step adds moisture and flavor, making the bars sing! The scents wafting from your kitchen? Pure magic!
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s get to the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually introduce this mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and who wants that? We want chewy, delectable treasures!
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Cherries
Time for the fun part! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and those beautifully chopped maraschino cherries. Take care to keep the mixture light; we don’t want to lose the airiness we just created. This step is where the magic happens—chocolate and cherry bliss all mixed together!
Step 7: Transfer the Dough to the Baking Dish
Now, spread that delicious dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Don’t be shy about pushing it into the corners! Once it’s nice and even, you can even add some extra chocolate chips on top for decoration. Because, why not?
Step 8: Bake It to Perfection
Your oven should be ready by now. Bake the bars for 20–25 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the edges should be golden while the center is set but still soft. This combo is essential to ensure a gooey bite that you won’t forget!
Step 9: Cooling and Slicing
Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Trust me, slicing them when they’re warm is a recipe for disaster. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper. Slice them into 16 squares. Enjoy the fruits (and flavors) of your labor!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing; let it sit out for about 30 minutes.
- For extra flavor, try toasting the chocolate chips in a dry pan for a few minutes.
- Always measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the cup then level it off!
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too soft to help with easier handling.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper; it’s your best friend for easy removal!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: Use medium and large bowls to keep things organized. Alternatively, a single large bowl can suffice.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: For effortless creaming of butter and sugars, a hand mixer is perfect. A whisk works too, just take your time!
- Baking dish: An 8×8-inch baking dish is ideal, but a 9×9-inch will work in a pinch.
- Spatula: A rubber spatula is great for mixing and spreading; it’s versatile, so keep it handy!
- Parchment paper: Essential for easy cleanup. If you don’t have it, grease the dish thoroughly.
Variations of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the chewy bars beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these treats.
- Vegan Twist: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter for a plant-based version.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Raspberry or Strawberry Jam: For a fruity variation, toss in a dollop of jam instead of cherries for a berry-flavored delight!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- For a festive touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.
- Top with whipped cream and a cherry for a classic dessert presentation.
- Present on a colorful platter for a charming dessert table at gatherings.
FAQs about Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can bring a delightful flavor. Just be sure to pit and chop them, adjusting the sugar to balance their tartness.
How do I store the leftover cookie bars?
Store the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For a longer shelf-life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week!
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. They can be stored for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover cookie bars?
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, microwave individual bars for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, warm them in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Definitely! These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can be made a day in advance. Just wait to slice them until they’ve cooled completely. This makes them perfect for parties or family gatherings!
Final Thoughts
Creating these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is like whipping up a bit of magic in your kitchen. The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors brings smiles with every bite. Whether you enjoy them right out of the oven or with a scoop of ice cream, these bars are bound to become a family favorite. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up during those crazy busy days! So gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and make memories that will linger long after the last crumb has vanished. Happy baking, my friends!
Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Welcome, fellow home cooks! If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines sweet and tangy flavors, let me introduce you to my Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These bars are the perfect solution for busy days when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine the joy on your family’s faces when they take a bite—it’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug! Whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or a delightful end to a dinner party, these cookie bars are sure to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (120 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup (100 g) maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper.
- Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry, then chop them into small pieces.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until fully combined.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries, adding cherry juice for a pink hue if desired.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for decoration, if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but slightly soft.
- Let the bars cool completely before removing and slicing into squares.
- Slice into 16 bars and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well drained to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- These bars can be paired with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
