If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both colorful and delicious, these Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are just what you need. These soft sugar cookie bars are packed with sweet maraschino cherries and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or any occasion that calls for a vibrant and indulgent dessert.
Easy Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
These cookie bars have a soft and chewy sugar cookie base bursting with the fruity sweetness of maraschino cherries. The creamy, tangy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite irresistible. With a mix of almond and vanilla flavors, this dessert is as flavorful as it is beautiful.
Why Our Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars Are the Best
Our Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars are a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. The maraschino cherries give the bars their signature pink hue and fruity flavor, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness. This easy-to-make recipe will have you serving bakery-quality dessert bars right from your own kitchen!
Ingredients Notes for Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars
Bars:
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped: The cherries add a fruity burst of flavor and a beautiful pink tint. Make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- 3/4 cup soft butter: Creates a rich, tender cookie bar base.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the bars perfectly.
- 2 eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cookie bars.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp almond extract: Complements the cherries with a subtle nutty note.
- 2 1/2 cups flour: Gives the bars their structure while keeping them soft and chewy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a light texture.
Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides the tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and makes the frosting smooth.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness of the frosting.
- 1/4 tsp almond extract: Adds a subtle flavor to complement the cookie bars.
- Dash of salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
Ingredient Tip: For an extra touch of color, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the frosting.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or foil (optional, for lining the pan)
- Spatula
- Knife for chopping cherries
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with foil for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cherries
Drain the 3/4 cup maraschino cherries thoroughly and chop them into small pieces. Set them aside.
3. Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 2 eggs, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp baking powder. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
4. Bake the Bars
Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
5. Make the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp almond extract, and a dash of salt.
- Gradually add 2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
6. Frost the Bars
Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
7. Slice and Serve
Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy these delicious, soft, and creamy cherry cookie bars!
How to Store Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars
- Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezer: Freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and frost before serving.
Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate over the frosting for an elegant touch.
- Cherry Coconut Bars: Mix shredded coconut into the dough for added texture and tropical flavor.
- Cherry Almond Bars: Sprinkle slivered almonds on top of the frosting for a crunchy finish.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free treat.
- Holiday Decor: Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter to the frosting for a holiday-ready dessert.
What to Serve With Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars
These bars are a dessert star on their own but pair beautifully with:
- Coffee or tea: Their rich, creamy sweetness is perfectly complemented by a warm beverage.
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve a scoop alongside for an indulgent treat.
- Sparkling water or lemonade: A light, refreshing drink balances the richness of the bars.
Top Tips for Perfect Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars
- Drain cherries well: Remove as much liquid as possible to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- Don’t overbake: Bake just until the edges are lightly browned to keep the bars soft and tender.
- Soften butter and cream cheese: Ensure both are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and frosting.
- Use a spatula for frosting: Spread the frosting evenly for a polished finish.
- Line the pan: Use parchment paper or foil to make removing the bars easier and prevent sticking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Mary Berry emphasizes the importance of creaming butter and sugar properly to create light, airy baked goods.
- Ina Garten suggests using high-quality extracts for the best flavor in desserts.
- Paul Hollywood advises weighing flour for consistent results in baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they should be pitted, chopped, and dried thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bars and frost them up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing for the best results.
4. Can I use another frosting?
Sure! A simple vanilla buttercream or whipped cream frosting would also work beautifully.
5. Can I make them into cookies instead of bars?
Yes, scoop the dough into balls and bake them as cookies instead. Adjust the baking time to around 10-12 minutes.
These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat for any occasion. With their bright pink hue and luscious frosting, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious!
Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- – 3/4 cup maraschino cherries finely chopped (about half of a 16 oz jar)
- – 3/4 cup butter softened
- – 1 cup sugar
- – 2 eggs
- – 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- – 1/2 tsp almond extract
- – 2 1/2 cups flour
- – 1/2 tsp salt
- – 1/4 tsp baking powder
For the Frosting:
- – 4 oz cream cheese softened
- – 1/4 cup butter softened
- – 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- – 1/4 tsp almond extract
- – Dash of salt
- – 2 1/2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherries: Drain maraschino cherries well. Chop finely and set aside.
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking powder, and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped cherries.
- Bake the Bars: Press the dough evenly into a greased or foil-lined 9×13" pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, salt, and powdered sugar (start with 2 1/2 cups and add more as needed) and beat until the frosting is spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- For the best flavor, ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Garnish with additional chopped cherries or sprinkles for extra decoration!
