Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars

Buttery, Sweet & Festively Irresistible

Author: sofia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 48 squares
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Introduction

Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich, buttery texture of classic shortbread with the sweetness of maraschino cherries and the deep, indulgent flavor of dark chocolate chips. These bars are perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to casual family desserts—and their festive appearance makes them an eye-catching treat on any dessert platter.

What makes these shortbread bars particularly appealing is the balance of textures and flavors. The buttery base melts in your mouth while holding together long enough for clean cutting and serving. Sweet, juicy maraschino cherries contrast beautifully with the slightly bitter, rich dark chocolate chips, creating a flavor profile that is both sophisticated and universally loved. The subtle addition of almond and vanilla extracts elevates the taste, giving it depth and complexity that transforms a simple shortbread into a truly memorable dessert.

This recipe is designed for home bakers who want a reliable, foolproof dessert. With easy-to-follow instructions, step-by-step guidance, and tips for perfect texture and flavor, even novice bakers can achieve bars that look and taste professionally made. In the sections below, you will find everything needed to create these delectable treats, including ingredients, preparation steps, serving suggestions, storage tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Ingredients

For best results, use ingredients measured carefully. Each component contributes to the texture, flavor, or structure of the shortbread bars.

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) margarine, at room temperature
  Margarine provides the classic shortbread richness and ensures a tender, buttery texture. Room temperature margarine blends more easily with sugar, creating a smooth base.
• ½ cup SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend
  This sweetener adds sweetness while keeping the dessert lighter in sugar compared to traditional granulated sugar.
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
  Adds a subtle nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with chocolate and cherries.

Dry Ingredients

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  Provides structure and the classic shortbread crumb.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  Helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the bars.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
  Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Add-ins

• 11.5 ounces dark chocolate chips
  Provides deep chocolate flavor and a pleasant textural contrast.
• ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries, juices drained
  Adds a burst of sweetness and a festive pop of color.

Preparation Method

Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfectly textured and flavorful shortbread bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish by lining it with parchment paper. If you prefer, you can skip the parchment and bake directly in the pan without greasing. Parchment ensures easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.

Step 2: Cream the Margarine and Sweetener

In a large mixing bowl, cream the margarine and SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend for about 2 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. Creaming incorporates air, creating a lighter, tender texture in the finished shortbread.

Step 3: Add Flavor Extracts

Beat in the vanilla extract and almond extract until fully incorporated. These extracts infuse the dough with depth and aroma, making the dessert more complex and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the cornstarch and salt, which is key to a consistent texture.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture on low speed, scraping down the sides as necessary. Beat until fully combined, forming a soft but workable dough. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tougher bars.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

Slowly fold in the dark chocolate chips. Ensure even distribution throughout the dough without overmixing, which could cause chocolate to melt prematurely.

Step 7: Prepare Cherries

Chop the maraschino cherries and gently squeeze out excess juice. This prevents excess moisture from softening the shortbread base. Carefully fold the cherries into the dough.

Step 8: Spread the Dough

Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Press gently to create a uniform layer. A level surface ensures even baking and makes cutting easier once cooled.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on the bars toward the end of baking to avoid over-browning, which can alter texture and flavor.

Step 10: Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for a few minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for about one hour. Chilling helps the bars set, making them easier to cut cleanly into uniform squares.

Step 11: Cut and Serve

Remove the bars from the dish using the parchment paper (if used) and cut into 48 squares. Allow the shortbread bars to come to room temperature before serving, as they have the best flavor and texture when not cold.

Texture and Flavor Profile

Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are a celebration of contrast and harmony in every bite:

• Tender, buttery shortbread forms the base, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sweet, juicy maraschino cherries provide color and fruity sweetness.
• Deep, slightly bitter dark chocolate chips balance the sweetness.
• Nutty undertones from almond extract enhance complexity.
• Golden edges contribute a subtle crunch while the interior remains soft and chewy.

The combination of buttery richness, chocolate depth, and bright cherry sweetness makes these bars a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Tips for Perfect Bars

1. Ensure margarine is at room temperature for easier blending and smoother texture.
2. Drain cherries well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the shortbread.
3. Chill the bars before cutting to get clean, precise squares.
4. Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor—cold bars taste less sweet and chewy.
5. Avoid overmixing the dough once flour is added to maintain tender shortbread.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a dessert platter for parties or holiday gatherings.
• Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Package in small boxes or bags for gifting during holidays.
• Stack squares with parchment between layers for storage or presentation.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cut squares in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Room Temperature: Shortbread bars hold well at room temperature for 1–2 days, but refrigeration improves cutting and handling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use butter instead of margarine?

Yes. Using butter will enhance the flavor, but it may slightly alter the texture, making the bars a bit firmer.

Can I substitute regular sugar for the sweetener?

Yes. Use the same volume of granulated sugar in place of SPLENDA® Naturals. The bars will be sweeter and slightly different in texture.

Can I add more cherries or chocolate chips?

Yes, but be mindful of moisture from additional cherries and spreading chocolate evenly. Too many cherries may affect shortbread structure.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly.

Can I cut the bars smaller or larger?

Yes. Cutting into 48 squares yields bite-sized pieces, but larger squares work for serving as a substantial dessert portion.

How do I avoid bars being too soft?

Chill the bars in the refrigerator before cutting and allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid overbaking.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are a festive and indulgent dessert that combines buttery shortbread, juicy cherries, and rich dark chocolate in every bite. Their simple preparation and impressive flavor make them perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or everyday treats.

By following this guide, including tips on proper chilling, cutting, and serving, you can achieve professional-quality results in your own kitchen. These bars are visually appealing, flavorful, and satisfying—sure to become a favorite dessert recipe in your collection.

Whether for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying with family, these shortbread bars are a timeless and versatile dessert that balances sweet, fruity, and chocolatey notes in a buttery, tender base.

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