Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a cherry flavor boost); 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (optional, for a hint of pink color); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt

Sweet memories of childhood bakeries dance through this maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookie bars adventure.

Bursts of vibrant red cherries peek between rich chocolate morsels, creating a nostalgic treat.

Unexpected flavor combinations elevate these simple bars beyond ordinary desserts.

Each square promises a delightful surprise with tangy fruit and smooth chocolate chips.

Soft, chewy textures meld perfectly in this crowd-pleasing confection.

Dense chocolate and bright cherry notes sing in delicious harmony.

Curious bakers can craft these irresistible bars that spark joy and conversation at every gathering.

These delightful bars take just 25 minutes to bake, making them a speedy dessert option for busy home bakers who want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flexible recipe allows adding extra cherry juice for a soft pink color or sprinkling additional chocolate chips on top, giving bakers creative freedom to personalize their treat.
Combines kid-approved flavors like chocolate chips and sweet maraschino cherries, creating a dessert that appeals to both children and adults at family gatherings or potlucks.
Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions mean even novice bakers can create a delicious dessert with minimal effort, using basic kitchen tools and common pantry staples.

Everything You Need for Cherry Chocolate Chip Bars

Base Ingredients:

Butter, Softened: Provides rich flavor and creamy texture for the cookie bars.
Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps achieve soft, chewy texture.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
Flour: Fundamental structure for the cookie bars.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and become light.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Classic cookie flavoring with warm, sweet notes.
Almond Extract (Optional): Adds sophisticated background flavor.
Maraschino Cherries: Bright, sweet fruit element that adds color and tang.
Chocolate Chips: Classic cookie add-in with rich, sweet chocolate flavor. Dark or milk chocolate work well.

Optional Garnish:

Cherry Juice: Can tint dough a soft pink color.
Extra Chocolate Chips: For decorative topping.

Preparation Extras:

Parchment Paper: Helps with easy bar removal and clean baking.
Paper Towels: Used for drying maraschino cherries.

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Prep The Cherries

Drain those bright red maraschino cherries completely. Gently pat them dry using paper towels. Chop the cherries into tiny bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Create Delicious Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together:

Softened butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Beat until the mixture looks fluffy and light. Crack in the egg, then splash in vanilla and almond extract. Mix thoroughly.

Sprinkle in:

Flour
Baking soda
Salt

Stir until just combined. Fold chocolate chips and chopped cherries gently into the dough. Want a fun pink twist? Add a splash of cherry juice.

Step 4: Shape The Bars

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. For extra pizzazz, scatter a few more chocolate chips across the surface.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden and center looks set but still slightly soft.

Step 6: Cool And Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Slice into 16 squares. Serve at room temperature. Bonus tip: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for ultimate decadence!

Tips to Avoid Dry Edges and Keep the Center Chewy

Select Moisture-Free Cherries: Thoroughly drain and pat maraschino cherries completely dry to prevent excess liquid from making cookie bars soggy or affecting texture.
Boost Cherry Flavor: Add a tablespoon of reserved cherry juice to the dough for a subtle pink color and enhanced fruity taste without compromising consistency.
Prevent Chocolate Sinking: Toss chocolate chips lightly in flour before folding into dough to help them distribute evenly and prevent clumping at bottom of bars.
Create Clean Slices: Allow bars to cool completely in pan before cutting to ensure clean, precise edges and prevent crumbling during slicing.
Customize Texture: Slightly underbake bars by removing from oven when edges are golden but center remains soft for a gooey, moist chocolate chip cookie bar experience.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor.
Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or briefly in a 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, gooey texture.

Blend smooth vanilla ice cream with a splash of maraschino cherry juice, creating a rich, sweet drink that complements the cookie bars' fruity chocolate flavor.
Serve a small glass of cherry liqueur like Luxardo alongside the bars, offering an adult twist that enhances the maraschino cherry notes and adds sophisticated depth.
Brew a shot of espresso with a hint of almond syrup, mirroring the almond extract in the recipe and providing a robust counterpoint to the sweet, rich cookie bars.
Plate the bars with a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries, introducing a tart, bright element that cuts through the cookie's sweetness and adds a refreshing touch.

Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Chip Bars: Replace regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same soft texture while making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Cherry Chocolate Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg replacement, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version of the classic cookie bar.
Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Option: Substitute regular sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the delicious flavor profile of the original recipe.
Nutty Cherry Chocolate Variation: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the dough for extra crunch and a complementary flavor that enhances the maraschino cherry's sweetness.

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.
Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe