Description
Maraschino cherry sugar cookie bars deliver sweet nostalgia with their delightful pink-hued charm. Silky smooth frosting and tender cookie base create an irresistible dessert perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup soft butter
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped (about 170 grams or half of a 454 grams jar)
Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Frosting Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ – 3 cups powdered sugar
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- Meticulously drain and finely mince the maraschino cherries, then set aside at room temperature.
- Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar until they transform into a pale, airy mixture with soft peaks.
- Incorporate eggs, vanilla, and almond extracts into the butter mixture, blending until thoroughly integrated.
- Gently sift flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a uniform dough.
- Delicately fold the chopped maraschino cherries throughout the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing thoroughly or lining with aluminum foil for effortless removal.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Position the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake approximately 20 minutes until edges turn golden and center appears set.
- Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature before frosting.
- In a separate mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and butter until silky and uniform in texture.
- Introduce vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture.
- Gradually sift powdered sugar into the frosting, mixing until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Once bars have cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the entire surface.
- Slice into uniform squares and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make bars soggy.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more evenly mixed dough that ensures consistent texture.
- Line baking pan with foil for easy removal and clean cutting of bars without sticking.
- Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain clean, crisp frosting appearance.
- Adjust powdered sugar gradually in frosting to control spreadability and sweetness level.
- Add chopped cherries gently to maintain delicate cookie bar structure without overmixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg