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
Scale
- 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