Description
Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are buttery, sweet, and festively irresistible bars featuring chocolate chips and maraschino cherries on a shortbread base.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (3 sticks) margarine, room temperature
- ½ cup SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 11.5 ounces dark chocolate chips
- ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries, juices drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Prepare 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper (optional).
- Cream margarine and SPLENDA® for 2 minutes.
- Beat in vanilla and almond extract.
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add flour mixture to creamed margarine and mix until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Gently fold in chopped cherries.
- Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Cool and chill in refrigerator for 1 hour before cutting.
- Cut into 48 squares and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Use room-temperature margarine for easier blending.
- Chill bars before cutting for clean edges.
- Serve at room temperature for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American