Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars – A Sweet & Festive Treat

Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are the ultimate dessert for when you want something buttery, fruity, and indulgent all at once. The tender shortbread base is loaded with mini chocolate chips and bright pops of maraschino cherries, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. These bars are colorful, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—ideal for holidays, parties, or just treating yourself to something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive & Colorful: Pink cherries and chocolate chips make every slice look stunning.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps, just mix, press, and bake.
Rich & Buttery: Classic shortbread texture with an extra sweet twist.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for cookie trays, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, well-drained and chopped
• Optional drizzle: ½ cup white chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.

3. Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until dough forms.

4. Fold in Mix-Ins
Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped cherries until evenly distributed.

5. Press & Bake
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.

6. Cool & Slice
Let bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares. For extra flair, drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Drain Cherries Well: Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture.
• Use Mini Chocolate Chips: They distribute more evenly in the dough.
• Don’t Overbake: Bars should stay soft—look for light golden edges.
• Festive Drizzle: White chocolate or a pink glaze makes them holiday-ready.

Why This Recipe Works

Shortbread’s buttery, crumbly base pairs perfectly with the sweetness of chocolate chips and the tangy burst of cherries. It’s a simple recipe with big flavors and a festive presentation—ideal for celebrations or when you just want a beautiful dessert that’s easy to pull together.

Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are rich, buttery, and bursting with festive flavor. Whether you make them for the holidays, special occasions, or a cozy weekend treat, these bars are guaranteed to impress with their perfect balance of chocolate, cherry, and melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.