Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars combine the sweet, buttery flavor of classic sugar cookies with the bright, fruity punch of maraschino cherries. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, they make a delicious treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup maraschino cherries (finely chopped, about half of a 16 oz jar)
• 3/4 cup soft butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1/4 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (for frosting)
• Dash of salt (for frosting)
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and finely chop them. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the soft butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, then gently fold in the chopped cherries.
4. Step 4: Press the dough evenly into a well-greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Lining the pan with foil first can help with easy removal.
5. Step 5: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
6. Step 6: While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and a dash of salt to the frosting. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
8. Step 8: Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure to drain the cherries very well to avoid excess moisture in the dough, which can affect the texture of the bars.
• For a nutty twist, consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or almonds to the dough along with the cherries.
• If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, sprinkle a little cherry extract into the frosting.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the butter and cream cheese blend smoothly for the best frosting texture.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture, or warm them slightly in the microwave if you prefer them soft and a bit gooey.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Frozen cherries are much less sweet and have a different texture. The bars may lose some of their characteristic cherry sweetness and brightness. If you do use frozen cherries, thaw and drain them well, and consider adding extra sugar to balance the flavor.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results. Baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the edges for doneness.

Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 85 reviews

Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring finely chopped maraschino cherries folded into a buttery dough and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting flavored with vanilla and almond extract, these bars are perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet, fruity treat.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookie Bars

• 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped (about half of a 16oz jar)
• 3/4 cup soft butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• Dash of salt
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and finely chop them. Set aside to incorporate into the dough.
2. Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the soft butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder, then gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped cherries gently.
3. Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Press the dough evenly into a well-greased 9×13 inch pan; lining with foil beforehand is optional but recommended for easy removal. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges turn a very light golden brown.
4. Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
5. Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, the dash of salt, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
6. Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smoothest frosting and dough consistency.
• Lining the baking pan with foil makes cleanup easier and helps lift the bars out for neat slicing.
• Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to reach your preferred thickness and sweetness.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For a more pronounced almond flavor, consider using almond-flavored maraschino cherries if available.

Keywords: maraschino cherry bars, sugar cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, cherry dessert, easy cookie bars, holiday dessert