Description
Indulgent Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars blend sweet cherries with rich chocolate in a delightful dessert. Crumbly, buttery layers promise pure bliss for cookie enthusiasts seeking a playful twist on classic comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Sugars and Sweeteners:
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients and Flavor Enhancers:
- 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)
Leavening and Seasoning:
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring easy extraction of the finished bars.
- Meticulously drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries, then carefully dice them into petite fragments.
- Using a mixer, whip the butter and sugars until achieving a cloud-like, voluminous texture. Incorporate the egg and extracts, blending until harmoniously integrated.
- Gently fold the flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix. Tenderly introduce the chocolate chips and chopped cherries, creating a speckled dough.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface. Strategically place additional chocolate chips across the top for visual appeal.
- Position the pan in a preheated 350°F oven, allowing the bars to transform for 20-25 minutes until the edges display a golden hue and the center maintains a slight softness.
- Remove from the oven and permit complete cooling within the pan to ensure structural integrity.
- Once cooled, leverage the parchment edges to lift the entire batch, then slice into 16 uniform squares, ready to delight with their vibrant cherry-chocolate fusion.
Notes
- Pat cherries completely dry to prevent excess moisture in the cookie bars, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing soggy bottoms.
- Add a splash of cherry juice to the dough for a subtle pink color and enhanced cherry flavor without compromising the cookie’s structure.
- Reserve a few chocolate chips and chopped cherries to sprinkle on top before baking for a more visually appealing and professional-looking dessert.
- Experiment with different chocolate varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate to customize the flavor profile and match personal preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg