Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

If you love classic chocolate chip cookies but are looking to add a unique twist, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a must-try! Combining the rich, sweet flavors of chocolate chips and the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries, these cookie bars offer a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Unique Flavor Combo: The cherries add a burst of juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the melty chocolate chips.
• Easy to Make: Skip the hassle of shaping individual cookies—simply bake these in one pan and cut them into squares.
• Versatile: Great for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or just a sweet treat after dinner.
• Soft & Chewy: These bars maintain the chewy texture of classic chocolate chip cookies but with the added fun of cherries.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped

Instructions

this recipe

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. This will take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined.
5. Add Chocolate Chips and Cherries
   Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. Make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
6. Spread the Dough in the Pan
   Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to evenly spread it out into a single layer.
7. Bake
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Cut
   Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles.

Tips for Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Draining the Cherries: To prevent the dough from becoming too wet, be sure to thoroughly drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries before chopping them.
• Chilling the Dough: If you prefer a thicker cookie bar, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Customize the Chips: Feel free to mix in white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even a blend of your favorites for a personalized twist.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

• Storage: Store your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Serving Ideas: Serve them as an after-school snack, a special dessert for holiday gatherings, or a treat to enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee or milk.

Why These Cookie Bars Are a Hit

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect fusion of classic chocolate chip cookies and the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want a fun twist on your usual cookie recipe, these bars will quickly become a favorite.

Perfect for cookie lovers and cherry enthusiasts alike, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone coming back for more!

Serving and Storage Tips for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Serving Tips:

1. Perfect Pairings: Serve these cookie bars with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
2. Presentation: For a festive touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving. You can also top them with whipped cream or a cherry on top for an extra flair.
3. Portion Control: These bars are rich, so cut them into smaller squares for bite-sized portions that are perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them on the counter away from direct sunlight or heat.
2. Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Chilled bars can be enjoyed straight from the fridge or allowed to come to room temperature before serving.
3. Freezing: You can freeze these cookie bars for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or heat in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
4. Avoid Moisture: To prevent the cookie bars from becoming too soft or soggy, ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry before adding them to the dough.

With these serving and storage tips, you can keep your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh and delicious for longer, while also enhancing their presentation for any occasion.

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While maraschino cherries are a key ingredient in this recipe, you can use fresh cherries as a substitute. However, fresh cherries contain more moisture, so make sure to remove the pits, chop them finely, and pat them dry to avoid making the dough too wet.

2. How can I make these bars more festive for holidays?
To make your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars more festive, you can add a sprinkle of colored sugar on top before baking, or drizzle them with melted white or dark chocolate after they’ve cooled. Adding a cherry on top of each bar can also enhance the visual appeal for special occasions.

3. Can I substitute the butter with a non-dairy option?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with non-dairy alternatives such as margarine or coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might differ slightly, but the bars will still be delicious.

4. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the flour blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the dough hold together properly. Additionally, double-check that your chocolate chips and maraschino cherries are gluten-free.

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