Heavenly Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars Recipe

Buttery shortbread meets sweet indulgence in these delectable chocolate chip maraschino cherry shortbread bars that promise pure deliciousness.

Soft, crumbly edges give way to a delightful balance of rich chocolate and vibrant cherry flavors.

The classic shortbread base becomes a canvas for a playful twist on traditional desserts.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures that dance across your palate.

maraschino cherries add a burst of color and unexpected brightness to this classic treat.

The combination of smooth chocolate and tender shortbread creates an irresistible dessert that will quickly become a personal favorite.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe and treat yourself to a moment of sweet bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 276 kcal

Servings: 17

Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bar Ingredients

• Margarine: Provides rich, tender foundation for shortbread with smooth, creamy consistency.
• Flour: Creates sturdy, crumbly structure with delicate texture.
• Cornstarch: Ensures extra delicate, melt-in-your-mouth softness for bars.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor depth and balances sweetness.

• SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend: Delivers balanced sweetness with natural ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic aromatic undertones.
• Almond Extract: Introduces subtle, nutty background complexity.

• Dark Chocolate Chips: Brings rich, intense chocolate pockets with deep, luxurious flavor.
• Maraschino Cherries: Introduces vibrant color and sweet-tangy bursts throughout shortbread bars.

Tools for Making Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming margarine and mixing ingredients smoothly and quickly.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and creating the dough base.
• Separate mixing bowl: Needed for whisking dry ingredients before combining with wet mixture.
• 9 x 13-inch baking dish: Key for creating the shortbread bars with proper size and shape.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal and prevents sticking of the bars.
• Spatula: Great for spreading dough evenly and smoothing the top of the mixture.
• Whisk: Useful for blending dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Sharp knife: Helps cut bars into precise squares after chilling.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.

Bake Chocolate Chip Cherry Shortbread Bars Easily

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a cozy 325°F and get a 9 x 13-inch baking dish ready with parchment paper.

• Butter Blending

In a roomy mixing bowl, whip the margarine and sweetener until they become fluffy and light as a cloud.

• Flavor Infusion

Add a splash of vanilla and almond extracts, mixing them thoroughly into the creamy base.

• Dry Ingredient Harmony

In a separate bowl, gently combine flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until they’re perfectly mixed.

• Dough Creation

Slowly merge the dry mixture into the creamy base, stirring carefully and scraping the bowl’s sides to ensure everything blends smoothly.

• Chocolate Magic

Sprinkle dark chocolate chips into the dough, folding them in with a gentle touch.

• Cherry Surprise

Drain the maraschino cherries, chop them carefully, and fold them into the dough with love.

• Baking Transformation

Spread the dough evenly in the baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

• Golden Moment

Bake for about 30 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

• Cooling and Cutting

Let the bars cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator. Slice into delightful squares and enjoy the sweet treat.

Sweet Tips for Cherry Shortbread Flavor Boost

• Cherry Chocolate Twist: Replace maraschino cherries with dried cherries for a deeper, less sweet flavor profile that adds sophisticated tang to traditional shortbread.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars freeze wonderfully for up to 3 weeks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container, allowing quick dessert access anytime you crave something sweet.
• Decorative Drizzle: After cooling, melt white chocolate and lightly drizzle over the bars for an elegant finishing touch that elevates the visual appeal and adds extra richness.
• Nutty Crunch Factor: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the dough for a delightful textural contrast that complements the soft shortbread and sweet cherries.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these bars accessible for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the same delicious texture and flavor.

Serve Cherry Shortbread Bars in Squares or Strips

• Cherry Chocolate Chip Party Platter: Arrange these delightful bars on a festive wooden board, garnished with fresh cherries and mint leaves for a stunning dessert centerpiece that'll wow your guests.
• Sweet Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these shortbread bars with a light Earl Grey tea or creamy cappuccino for a sophisticated mid-day treat that balances rich chocolate and delicate cherry flavors.
• Decadent Dessert Gift Box: Package these bars in a beautiful box with ribbon, making them a perfect homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or just to show someone you care about their sweet tooth.
• Brunch Buffet Star: Slice bars into bite-sized pieces and add them to a brunch dessert spread, complementing other pastries and providing a delightful chocolate-cherry option for guests.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Correctly

• Smart Storage Solutions: Store bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
• Fridge Fresh Technique: Refrigerate bars for up to 5 days, keeping them sealed to retain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for quick sweet treats anytime.
• Room Temperature Tip: Allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, ensuring soft, delightful texture returns.

Decadent Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate chip maraschino cherry shortbread bars blend sweet cherries with buttery shortbread in a delightful dessert. Cherry-studded cookies offer a perfect balance of rich chocolate and tangy fruit for delectable enjoyment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ¼ cups (780 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks or 340 g) margarine, at room temperature
• 11.5 oz (326 g) dark chocolate chips
• ¾ cup (180 ml) chopped maraschino cherries, juices drained
• ½ cup SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 3 tbsps cornstarch
• 1/8 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack in center and preheat to 325°F, creating optimal baking conditions for shortbread bars.
2. Pan Setup: Line 9 x 13-inch dish with parchment paper to facilitate effortless removal and clean serving.
3. Base Mixture: Utilize electric mixer to cream margarine and sweetener until light and voluminous, generating a fluffy foundation for the shortbread.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Integrate vanilla and almond extracts, thoroughly blending to infuse aromatic complexity throughout the mixture.
5. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring uniform dry ingredient distribution.
6. Dough Development: Merge dry ingredients into margarine mixture at low speed, maintaining a delicate texture and preventing potential toughness.
7. Chocolate and Cherry Incorporation: Gently fold dark chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries into dough, achieving balanced ingredient dispersion.
8. Baking Process: Spread dough evenly in prepared dish, creating a smooth surface, then bake for 30 minutes until edges turn golden brown.
9. Cooling and Setting: Allow shortbread to cool completely in baking dish, then refrigerate for one hour to enhance structural integrity.
10. Serving Preparation: Extract shortbread using parchment paper and slice into precise, uniform squares ready for delightful consumption.

Notes

• Optimize Oven Placement: Center rack ensures even heat distribution for consistent baking results.
• Prep Baking Dish Smart: Parchment paper lining allows effortless shortbread removal and minimal cleanup.
• Mix Technique Matters: Whip margarine and sweetener slowly to achieve a light, airy base that guarantees tender texture.
• Chocolate and Cherry Precision: Drain cherries thoroughly and fold chocolate chips gently to prevent moisture and maintain structural integrity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 46 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg