Description
Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet cherry pieces. Topped with cream cheese frosting and colorful sprinkles, these easy-to-make dessert bars are perfect for sharing. Bake a batch and bring a pop of color to your next celebration!
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
16 oz maraschino cherries, drained, rinsed, and chopped
1½ sticks butter, softened
1 cup white granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ tsp almond extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
For the Frosting:
2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
½ stick butter, softened
¼ tsp vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp red sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry. Cut each cherry into quarters or eighths depending on your size preference. Place them in a colander and rinse well to remove excess syrup. Set aside to drain completely. - Mix the dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1½ sticks of softened butter and the white granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps give your bars a soft and tender texture. - Add the wet ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the almond extract. - Incorporate dry ingredients
Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Stir until you have a moist cookie dough. Be careful not to overmix. - Fold in cherries
Gently fold the drained and chopped cherries into the cookie dough, making sure they are evenly distributed without crushing them. - Press into pan
Lightly grease a 9×13 baking sheet and press the dough evenly into the pan. Use your hands or a spatula to smooth the top. - Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Avoid overbaking to keep your bars soft and chewy. - Cool
Take the pan out of the oven and allow the bars to cool fully on a wire rack before adding frosting. - Make the frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, ½ stick of butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. - Frost and decorate
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. While the frosting is still fresh, sprinkle red sprinkles on top for a festive look. - Serve and enjoy
Slice into bars and serve. These bars are perfect with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Notes
Dry the cherries well to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
Let butter, cream cheese, and eggs come to room temperature for a smooth texture.
Bars can be made ahead and stored unfrosted in the fridge or freezer.
Customize with different sprinkles or add white chocolate chips for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes Additional Time (Cooling): 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 256 kcal
- Sugar: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 2g