Description
These Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are buttery, soft, and filled with bursts of dark chocolate and sweet maraschino cherries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or an anytime treat, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) margarine, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 11.5 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries, juices drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper if desired.
- In a large bowl, cream margarine and SPLENDA® blend for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Add vanilla and almond extracts and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, then gently fold in cherries.
- Spread dough evenly in the prepared dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool, then refrigerate for 1 hour to set before cutting into squares.
- Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute butter for margarine, but margarine brings out the shortbread’s distinct flavor and texture.
- For a cleaner cut, chill the bars before slicing.
- These bars taste best at room temperature, as chilling can slightly dull their flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approximately 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg