Name: Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) margarine, at room temperature; 1/2 cup SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 11.5 ounces dark chocolate chips; 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries, juices drained

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Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are a delightful combination of buttery shortbread, dark chocolate chips, and sweet maraschino cherries, perfect for any occasion. They bring together the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with a twist—adding the unique sweetness of maraschino cherries. This dessert is not just about taste; it’s also about the beautiful presentation, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or simply pampering yourself. Let’s dive into how you can make this scrumptious treat!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Chocolate chip maraschino cherry recipe. First, the buttery shortbread serves as a perfect base, complemented by the rich dark chocolate chips. Second, the maraschino cherries add a burst of flavor that transforms ordinary chocolate chip cookies into something extraordinary. Third, they are easy to prepare, taking just 50 minutes from start to finish, fitting perfectly into a busy schedule. Fourth, these bars are incredibly versatile; you can serve them at parties, gatherings, or even as an afternoon snack. Fifth, they are vegetarian-friendly, appealing to a wider audience. Lastly, the delightful combination of textures—from the soft shortbread to the chewy cherries—ensures a satisfying bite every time. Enjoy making these bars as gifts or for your next dessert table!

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry

Gather these items:

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) margarine, at room temperature
1/2 cup SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
11.5 ounces dark chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries, juices drained

How to Make Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Step 2: Prepare a 9 x 13 casserole dish with parchment paper if desired; if not using any paper, no need to grease the pan.

Step 3: In a large bowl, cream margarine and SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Beat in vanilla and almond extract.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Step 6: With the blender on low, gradually add the flour mixture. Wipe down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and beat until mixed.

Step 7: Slowly beat or stir in chocolate chips.
Step 8: Chop cherries and gently squeeze some of the juice out.
Step 9: Carefully beat in cherries.
Step 10: Use a spatula to evenly spread the mixture into the baking dish.
Step 11: Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the top edges are golden brown.

Step 12: Allow the dish to cool, then chill in the refrigerator for about an hour to set and make it easier to cut.
Step 13: Remove parchment paper from the dish and cut into 48 squares.
Step 14: Allow shortbread bars to come to room temperature before eating. They have an unpleasant taste if served cold.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry

Keep these in mind:

Allow the margarine to soften at room temperature for smoother mixing.
Make sure to drain the maraschino cherries well to prevent excess moisture in the bars.
Experiment with different types of chocolate chips for unique flavors.

To enhance the presentation, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled bars.

Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars Recipe - Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry

These bars are delightful on their own, but here are a couple of ideas:

Pair them with a scoop of maraschino cherry chocolate chip ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of elegance.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry

To store your delicious bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, ensuring they are well-covered to prevent drying out. If you need to reheat, simply pop a square in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up before serving. This will bring back some of that fresh-baked goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry

What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry?

The secret lies in properly creaming the margarine and sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. Also, draining the cherries helps maintain the right consistency, preventing sogginess.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll taste just as delicious the next day.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry?

To avoid common pitfalls, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, and do not overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough bars. Always check for doneness to avoid undercooking.

Variations of Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry You Can Try

Here are a few unique ideas to switch things up:

Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Incorporate different flavored extracts such as coconut or orange for a new twist.
Make a chocolate chip maraschino cherry cake by layering the shortbread mixture in a cake pan.

Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars Recipe - Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers for a savory twist. If you’re looking for a delightful dessert, consider our Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies or Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish as well!

For more information on the health benefits of cherries, you can visit Healthline.