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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. The butter and sugar should form a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients with the Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookie bars.
6. Add the Chocolate Chips and Cherries
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. If you’d like a stronger cherry flavor, you can also add a bit of the cherry juice to the batter, but this is optional. Gently stir to distribute the cherries and chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
7. Spread the Dough in the Pan
Transfer the dough to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly, pressing it down gently to ensure it fills the edges of the pan.
8. Bake the Cookie Bars
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking, as this can make the bars too dry.
9. Cool and Cut Into Bars
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once they’re fully cooled, cut into squares or bars.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Serve these Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a cold glass of milk, or enjoy them on their own for a sweet treat. They are perfect for parties, bake sales, or just as a special dessert to enjoy with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Perfect Flavor Combination:
The combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips is a classic one, and it works perfectly in these cookie bars. The sweet, slightly tart cherries complement the rich, melty chocolate, creating a flavor balance that everyone will love.
Soft, Chewy Texture:
These cookie bars have the ideal texture—soft, chewy, and just the right amount of firmness. The cherry pieces add a bit of texture, and the chocolate chips melt beautifully, giving you gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
Simple to Make:
Despite their deliciousness, these cookie bars are incredibly easy to make. No need for rolling out dough or cutting cookies individually—just mix, spread in the pan, and bake! They come together quickly, making them perfect for a last-minute treat or a fun baking project with kids.
Customizable:
While the cherry and chocolate chip combination is delicious, you can easily customize the recipe to your liking. Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or milk chocolate, for a different twist.
Great for Any Occasion:
These cookie bars are perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight treats to festive holiday baking. They’re easy to serve at parties, and they’re just as enjoyable for a cozy afternoon snack. Their vibrant pink cherry pieces also make them a fun and colorful addition to any dessert spread.
Tips for the Best Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Drain the Cherries Well: To avoid excess moisture in the dough, make sure to drain the maraschino cherries well before chopping them. You can even pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any extra juice.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This helps the ingredients combine smoothly and creates a better texture for your cookie bars.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause the bars to become tough and dry.
- Bake at the Right Temperature: Keep a close eye on the bars while baking. They can go from perfectly baked to overdone very quickly, so be sure to check them toward the end of the baking time.
Final Thoughts
Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors, all packed into a soft and chewy bar that everyone will love. The combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips creates a dessert that’s fun, festive, and full of flavor. These cookie bars are a great addition to any dessert table, and their ease of preparation makes them a go-to treat for any occasion.
So the next time you’re craving something sweet and indulgent, give these bars a try. They’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
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