Hello, Sweet Friends!
What if you could combine the buttery goodness of shortbread, the gooey sweetness of maraschino cherries, and the irresistible allure of chocolate chips in one decadent treat? Say hello to Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars! These bars are a delightful twist on classic shortbread with an indulgent touch that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, buttery shortbread crust, studded with juicy pops of maraschino cherries and melty chocolate chips. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, looking for a festive holiday dessert, or just want to treat yourself, these bars are as versatile as they are delicious.
They’re easy to make but fancy enough to impress, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe and create some magic in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars
- Perfect Balance: Buttery shortbread meets the sweet, fruity burst of cherries and the richness of chocolate.
- Easy to Prepare: No fancy equipment required, just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Customizable: Add nuts, swap out chocolate, or play with flavors to make them your own.
Cuisine
Dessert, American
Tips for the Best Shortbread Bars
- Drain the cherries well: Excess liquid can make the bars soggy.
- Cool completely: This ensures clean slices and prevents crumbling.
- Use mini chocolate chips: They distribute more evenly in each bite.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap chocolate chips: Try white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or pistachios over the top.
- Citrus twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the shortbread dough for a fresh, zesty note.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour in place of all-purpose flour.
Make a Healthier Version
- Replace butter with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Use unsweetened dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries for a lower-sugar option.
- Substitute sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free version.
Categories
Dessert, Holiday Treats, Bars
Tags
Shortbread, Chocolate, Cherry, Easy Baking, Festive Desserts
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: Yes, but make sure to pit and chop them, and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
Q: Can these bars be frozen?
A: Absolutely! Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: How do I make these bars nut-free?
A: Skip any optional nuts and check your chocolate chips to ensure they’re processed in a nut-free facility.
Q: Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?
A: Definitely! Dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cherries.
Q: How long do these bars keep?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
And there you have it, the perfect balance of buttery, sweet, and indulgent in every bite! These Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are sure to steal the show at your next gathering—or make a quiet evening at home extra special. Enjoy!
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Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars
Description
These bars are a delightful twist on classic shortbread with an indulgent touch that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
2. Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle the chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips evenly over the shortbread crust.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top, ensuring even coverage.
3. Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.
4. Slice and Serve
- Once cooled, carefully lift the shortbread out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
