Easy Cherry-Kissed Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars Recipe

Chocolate chip maraschino cherry shortbread bars blend sweet and buttery flavors into an irresistible dessert that elevates ordinary ingredients into something magical.

Rich, crumbly textures merge with vibrant crimson fruit notes, creating a sophisticated treat that defies traditional cookie expectations.

Delicate shortbread provides a tender foundation for bursts of chocolate and candied cherries.

Elegant yet approachable, these bars invite indulgence without overwhelming complexity.

Soft edges and delightful contrasts make this recipe a standout among classic dessert options.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike appreciate the straightforward technique required to craft these remarkable treats.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance of classic shortbread richness with playful fruity accents.

Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars Are a Sweet Surprise

• Savor Unique Flavor Fusion: Combines classic chocolate chip shortbread with vibrant maraschino cherries, creating a delightful sweet-tangy twist that surprises your taste buds.
• Enjoy Effortless Baking: Simple one-bowl method and minimal ingredients make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced home cooks.
• Slice and Share Convenience: Yields 48 small bars, ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, allowing easy portioning and maximum crowd-pleasing potential.
• Create Make-Ahead Dessert: Chilling the bars helps them set perfectly, making this a stress-free recipe you can prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator for quick, delicious treats.

Ingredients for Baking Cherry Shortbread Bars with Chocolate Chips

• Margarine: Soft and creamy base that provides rich texture and helps bind the shortbread together.
• SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend: Light sweetener with natural ingredients for balanced sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavoring that adds warm, sweet depth to the shortbread.
• Almond Extract: Subtle nutty essence that complements the cherry flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Foundational ingredients that create a tender, crumbly shortbread texture with delicate crispness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.

• Dark Chocolate Chips, Maraschino Cherries: Delightful mix-ins that provide bursts of rich chocolate and sweet, bright cherry flavor, adding visual and taste complexity to the shortbread bars.

Instructions for Making Rich, Buttery Cherry Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 325°F. Grab a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

• Margarine
• Splenda Naturals

Beat until the mixture looks light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Mix until everything blends beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Whisk until well combined.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add dry ingredients to the creamy mixture. Mix on low speed, scraping bowl sides to ensure everything gets incorporated perfectly.

Step 6: Sprinkle in Chocolate Goodness

Gently fold dark chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 7: Cherry Preparation

Drain maraschino cherries and chop them up. Squeeze out extra juice to keep the dough from getting soggy. Carefully fold cherries into the mixture.

Step 8: Smooth the Dough

Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Use a spatula to press it down and create a smooth top.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Look for golden brown edges as your signal.

Step 10: Cool and Chill

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, stick them in the refrigerator for an hour to set.

Step 11: Slice and Enjoy

Remove the bars using the parchment paper. Cut into 48 delightful squares. Grab a treat and savor the moment!

Tips for the Perfect Texture in Cherry Shortbread Bars

• Drain Cherries Thoroughly: Pat maraschino cherries completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the shortbread soggy.
• Chop Cherries Finely: Cut cherries into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large wet spots in the dough.
• Use Cold Margarine: Work with chilled margarine to ensure a crumbly, tender shortbread texture and prevent greasy bars.
• Mix Gently: Fold chocolate chips and cherries into the dough minimally to maintain a delicate, light shortbread consistency.
• Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerate bars for at least an hour to help them set firmly, making clean, precise cuts easier and maintaining a perfect shape.

How to Store and Reheat These Cherry and Chocolate Bars

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chocolate chip maraschino cherry shortbread bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm treat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes until slightly crisp around the edges.

What Pairs Well with These Sweet Shortbread Bars

• Pair with Creamy Coffee Delight: Complement the sweet and buttery shortbread bars with a rich, smooth cappuccino or latte. The coffee's warmth and creamy texture perfectly balance the chocolate and cherry flavors.
• Sip Fruity White Wine: Enjoy a chilled glass of Moscato or Riesling alongside these bars. The wine's light, sweet notes harmonize beautifully with the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
• Match with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream next to these bars for a decadent dessert experience. The cold, smooth ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the crumbly, rich shortbread texture.
• Refresh with Sparkling Berry Mocktail: Create a non-alcoholic berry spritzer using cherry juice, sparkling water, and fresh mint. This bright, effervescent drink cuts through the richness of the chocolate chip cherry bars.

Cherry Shortbread Bar Variations That Stand Out

• Cherry Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars after cooling, creating elegant chocolate stripes across the cherry shortbread surface.
• Nutty Cherry Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking to add delightful texture and enhanced nutty flavor profile.
• Citrus Cherry Boost: Mix lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, tangy undertone that complements the sweet cherries and chocolate.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Replace dark chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add a white chocolate glaze after cooling for a creamy, luxurious finish.

Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate chip maraschino cherry shortbread bars blend sweet cherries with buttery, crumbly shortbread for an irresistible dessert. Crisp edges, rich chocolate, and tangy cherries create a perfect balance that will delight taste buds and bring joy to any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) margarine, at room temperature
• 11.5 ounces (326 grams) dark chocolate chips
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) chopped maraschino cherries, juices drained

Sweeteners and Extracts:

• ½ cup SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

Binding and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare your kitchen workspace by positioning an oven rack in the center and heating to 325°F, ensuring an even baking environment.
2. Protect your baking vessel by lining a 9 x 13-inch dish with parchment paper, creating an easy removal surface for the shortbread.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip margarine and sweetener together until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency with increased volume.
4. Incorporate vanilla and almond extracts, blending thoroughly to distribute their aromatic essence throughout the creamy base.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
6. Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the margarine mixture, mixing at low speed to prevent overmixing and maintain a delicate texture.
7. Gently fold dark chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution without disrupting the tender crumb.
8. Carefully drain maraschino cherries, removing excess liquid to prevent soggy bars, then delicately chop and fold into the dough.
9. Transfer the dough into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth, uniform surface.
10. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges that indicate perfect doneness.
11. Allow the shortbread to cool completely within the baking dish, allowing residual heat to set the structure.
12. Refrigerate for one hour to enhance firmness and facilitate clean cutting.
13. Remove the shortbread from the dish using parchment paper, then slice into precise squares ready for serving.

Notes

• Cherries add a burst of vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor that transforms classic shortbread into an unexpected delightful treat.
• Dark chocolate chips provide rich, indulgent pockets of melty goodness throughout each tender, buttery bar.
• Chilling the bars helps set the texture, allowing clean cuts and intensifying the complex flavor profile of this delectable dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg