Christmas cherry bars are a festive and delicious treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts. Here’s a recipe for you to try:
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using your hands or a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles.
Optional: Dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar for a festive touch before serving. Serve and enjoy these delicious Christmas cherry bars! These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or they can be frozen for longer storage. They make a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie tray or dessert spread.