Festive Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Treat

Sweet memories often bloom from unexpected Christmas cherry bars that capture the essence of holiday gatherings.

My grandmother first shared this delightful recipe during cozy winter afternoons.

Festive kitchens buzz with excitement when these delectable treats emerge from warm ovens.

Tart cherries nestled between buttery layers create a magical combination that sparks instant happiness.

Rich, crumbly textures and bright fruit flavors dance together in each delicious bite.

Serving these mouthwatering bars to loved ones, watching their faces light up with pure joy.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible seasonal delight.

Helpful Tips For Christmas Cherry Bars

• Crumb Topping Perfection: Mix the dry ingredients first before adding melted butter to ensure even distribution and prevent clumping.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Prebake the shortbread base for 15 minutes to create a crisp foundation that won't get mushy from the cherry filling.
• Extract Enhancement: Add a splash of almond extract to the cherry filling for a deeper, more complex flavor that complements the sweet cherries.
• Easy Removal Trick: Always line the pan with parchment paper with overhanging sides to make cutting and lifting the bars effortless.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, making them perfect for holiday prep.

Why Everyone Raves About Christmas Cherry Bars

• Effortless Holiday Delight: Whip up these Christmas Cherry Bars with minimal kitchen skills, making them perfect for bakers of all levels who want to impress without stress.
• Texture Wonderland: Experience a delightful contrast between the crisp, buttery shortbread crust, smooth cherry filling, and crumbly, cinnamon-spiced topping that dances on your taste buds.
• Quick Festive Treat: Prepare these bars in under an hour, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings during the holiday season.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of sweet cherries, warm spices, and rich buttery base creates a universally loved dessert that appeals to both kids and adults at Christmas celebrations.

What You Need For Christmas Cherry Bars

• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation for crust and topping, provides delicious flavor and texture..
• Sugar: Sweetens the dessert and helps create a golden, crisp crust..
• Flour: Structural ingredient for creating a tender shortbread base and crumbly topping..
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness..

• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet, vibrant fruit layer that adds moisture and classic holiday flavor..
• Almond Extract: Optional ingredient that deepens cherry flavor with nutty undertones..

• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a caramelized, crunchy topping..
• Cinnamon: Optional warm spice that complements cherry flavor and adds complexity..

• Use unsalted butter for better control of salt content.
• Cold butter works best for creating a flaky crust.
• Fresh, quality cherry pie filling recommended for best taste.
• Almond extract is optional but enhances traditional flavor profile.

How To Bake Christmas Cherry Bars At Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over like a cozy blanket. This trick will make lifting out your bars super easy later.

Step 2: Craft The Buttery Base

• All-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

Press this heavenly mixture into your prepared pan, creating an even layer that looks like a golden canvas. Pop it in the oven and bake until the edges turn a delicate golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Spread The Cherry Magic

Grab your cherry pie filling and give it a little personality boost with a splash of almond extract. Gently spread this vibrant mixture over your perfectly baked crust, covering every inch with ruby-red goodness.

Step 4: Create A Crumbly Masterpiece

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter

Use your fingers to create delightful crumbly clusters. Sprinkle this magical topping across the cherry layer like a winter snowfall.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan back into the oven and let it dance for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the topping to transform into a golden-brown wonderland of deliciousness.

Step 6: Cool And Slice

Let your creation rest and cool completely in the pan. Use those handy parchment paper edges to lift out the entire batch. Slice into squares that will make everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

How To Store And Reheat Christmas Cherry Bars

• Refrigerate: Place cooled bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep chilled for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
• Thaw: Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Reheat: Warm bars briefly in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp texture and revive the delicious flavors.

Best Pairings With Christmas Cherry Bars

• Pair with Classic Vanilla Delight: Serve these cherry bars alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a heavenly contrast between warm, spiced crumble and cool, smooth sweetness.
• Match with Robust Coffee Companion: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with hints of caramel and chocolate to complement the sweet-tart cherry flavor and buttery shortbread crust.
• Enhance with Sparkling Champagne Twist: Pop open a light, dry champagne or prosecco to cut through the dessert's richness and add a festive touch perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Boost with Almond Liqueur Accent: Drizzle a small amount of amaretto or almond liqueur over the bars to intensify the subtle almond extract notes and elevate the dessert's complexity.

Fun Variations Of Christmas Cherry Bars

• Festive Berry Bliss: Swap cherry pie filling with mixed berry preserves for a vibrant, colorful holiday treat that bursts with seasonal berry flavors.
• Nutty Holiday Crunch: Add chopped pecans or sliced almonds to the crumb topping for extra texture and a rich, toasted nutty dimension.
• Chocolate Cherry Dream: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars or mix chocolate chips into the crumb topping for an indulgent chocolate-cherry combination.
• Spiced Winter Warmth: Enhance the crumb topping with ground ginger and nutmeg, creating a warm, aromatic spin that captures cozy holiday essence.

Common Questions On Christmas Cherry Bars

• What makes these Christmas Cherry Bars special?

These bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with sweet cherry filling and a crumbly topping, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

It’s best to stick with canned cherry pie filling for this recipe, as fresh cherries might release too much liquid and make the bars soggy. The prepared filling ensures consistent results.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown crumb topping and slightly set cherry filling. The edges should be lightly golden, and the bars should look firm when you gently shake the pan.

• Are these bars good for making ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day or two in advance and store them at room temperature. They actually taste even better as the flavors meld together overnight.

Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies blend winter comfort with chocolate magic. Gooey centers and rich cocoa notes create an irresistible treat you’ll crave on chilly afternoons.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 12 large marshmallows

Sweeteners and Binding Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk

Finishing and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
• Sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by positioning oven racks in the middle and preheating to 350F (175C). Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper.

1. Create a fluffy butter mixture by thoroughly creaming softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the texture becomes light and airy. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, blending until completely smooth.

1. Develop the dry ingredients base by whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Carefully fold the dry mixture into the butter blend, ensuring gentle integration.

1. Gradually introduce milk to the cookie dough, stirring until the consistency becomes uniform and glossy. Use a tablespoon to drop even portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately two inches between each cookie.

1. Bake the initial cookie batch for eight minutes, watching for slightly set edges while maintaining soft centers. Remove from oven and delicately nestle a marshmallow half into each cookie’s center.

1. Return cookies to the oven and continue baking for an additional two to three minutes, allowing marshmallows to puff and soften elegantly. Remove and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes.

1. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely.

1. Melt chocolate chips using short microwave intervals, stirring between each session to prevent burning. Incorporate coconut oil to achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency.

1. Once cookies have cooled, artfully drizzle melted chocolate across the surface. Optional: Sprinkle decorative garnishes like festive sprinkles for additional visual appeal.

1. Allow chocolate drizzle to set for approximately fifteen minutes. Serve alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa, creating a delightful seasonal indulgence.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter and egg to ensure smooth, even mixing of the cookie dough.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping to prevent spreading and create thicker cookies.
• Measure cocoa powder accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife to avoid dry, crumbly texture.
• Choose large, fresh marshmallows for the best puffing and melting effect during baking.
• Opt for high-quality dark or milk chocolate for the drizzle to enhance the rich flavor profile.
• Customize cookies by adding a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate taste.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• Experiment with different marshmallow flavors like vanilla, strawberry, or coconut for unique variations.
• Prevent chocolate drizzle from cracking by adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to create a smooth, glossy finish.

• Prep Time: 1012 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 179
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg