Christmas Cherry Bars

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These Christmas Cherry Bars are everything you love about the holidays wrapped into one sweet, buttery bite. Bursting with vibrant red cherries, these dessert bars are soft, chewy, and feature a slightly crisp edge that makes them completely irresistible. The shortbread-style base adds richness while the juicy cherries bring a pop of festive color and flavor.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, holiday potluck, or just treating your family to something special, these bars are the perfect addition to your Christmas baking list. They’re easy to slice, pack beautifully in tins, and look like a gift all on their own. Trust me, these are going to disappear fast!

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What Kind of Cherries Should I Use?

Maraschino cherries are the best choice for this recipe. Their bright red hue, sweetness, and soft texture complement the buttery base perfectly. Be sure to drain them well and pat dry before folding them into your batter to avoid excess moisture.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Cherry Bars

• Unsalted Butter – This gives the bars a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base and helps with the soft yet firm texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and gives the bars that golden, caramelized edge.
• Eggs – These help bind everything together and keep the bars soft and fluffy.
• Vanilla Extract – Brings out the flavor in both the cherries and the buttery base.
• All-Purpose Flour – The structural backbone of the bars.
• Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Maraschino Cherries – The shining star! Adds festive flavor, color, and soft texture to each bite.
• Almond Extract (optional) – Just a splash gives a nutty, festive note that pairs beautifully with cherries.

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How To Make the Christmas Cherry Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Cherries

Start by draining the maraschino cherries and patting them dry with a paper towel. Roughly chop them and set aside. This helps prevent the cherry juice from bleeding too much into the batter.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using).

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick and smooth, almost like cookie dough.

Step 4: Fold in the Cherries

Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the batter, being careful not to overmix. You want the cherries evenly distributed without turning the entire batter pink.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth out the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles. Wipe your knife between cuts for clean edges.

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Serving and Storing Christmas Cherry Bars

These bars are perfect for serving at room temperature, which makes them ideal for parties, dessert tables, and lunchbox treats. Stack them on a festive platter or wrap them in wax paper and tuck into cookie tins for a cozy homemade gift.

To store, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?

You can substitute with fresh pitted cherries or dried cherries, but the bars will lose that classic bright red holiday pop and extra sweetness.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are a great make-ahead treat. Bake them a day or two in advance and store in an airtight container.

Do I need to use almond extract?

Nope! It’s optional, but highly recommended. It gives a festive flavor that enhances the cherries beautifully.

Can I freeze Christmas Cherry Bars?

Absolutely. Once fully cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing?

Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice. You can even chill the bars briefly to firm them up before cutting.

Can I add nuts or white chocolate chips?

Yes, chopped pecans or white chocolate chips make a delicious addition. Fold them in with the cherries for a little extra flair.

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Want More Cherry Dessert Ideas?

If you’re loving these festive cherry bars, you’ll want to check out some more sweet treats that are bursting with flavor and personality:

• Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies – A cookie with chewy edges and melty chocolate in every bite.
• No Bake Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie – An effortless dessert that’s perfect for last-minute guests.
• Cheesecake Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies – A fruity twist with gooey caramel and creamy filling.
• Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars – Soft, colorful, and perfect for the cookie platter.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes – For when you want that creamy tang with berry sweetness in cupcake form.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add almond extract or go without? Did you toss in some white chocolate chips or keep it classic?

I love seeing your twists on these bars. And if you’re hungry for more sweet inspo, visit my Pinterest board where I share daily treats and seasonal favorites. Happy baking!

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