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To make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars, you need some basic ingredients. Here's what you'll need: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup packed brown sugar - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup maraschino cherries, well-drained and finely chopped - ½ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional) These ingredients create a rich and sweet flavor that pairs well with the tartness of cherries. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh butter and pure vanilla extract enhance the taste. Good chocolate chips melt perfectly and add richness. Maraschino cherries should be bright and flavorful. When your ingredients shine, your bars will too. Feel free to get creative! You can add different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. Dried cherries or cranberries can replace maraschino cherries for a twist. If you want, substitute half the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor. These options let you customize the bars to your liking. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To start, grab your 9x13-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides a bit. This will help you lift out the bars later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warm-up step is key for even baking. In a large bowl, place your softened butter. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes. Next, mix in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. This helps create a smooth batter. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! This is important to keep the bars soft and chewy. Now, fold in the chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and nuts if you want them. Spread the dough evenly in the pan. Place your pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for golden edges and a toothpick test to check for doneness. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready! Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift them out. Move them to a wire rack for full cooling. Once cool, slice them into squares and enjoy. For the full recipe, check the details above. To get the best texture in your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars, focus on your mixing. Cream the butter and sugars well. This step adds air, making your bars light and chewy. Don't overmix after adding the flour. Mix until just combined for a soft bite. Also, use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything blend smoothly. One common mistake is using cold butter. Always soften it first. Cold butter can lead to dense bars. Another mistake is overbaking. Check the bars a little early. They should be golden around the edges, but still soft in the middle. Lastly, drain the cherries well. Too much moisture can make the bars soggy. For extra flavor, try adding almond extract. It pairs well with cherries and chocolate. You can also mix in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you like a crunch, consider adding crushed pretzels. They add a salty balance to the sweet. You can find the Full Recipe for more ideas and tips. {{image_4}} You can change the nuts in your bars. Pecans and walnuts add a nice crunch. If you want a different taste, try almonds or hazelnuts. Simply chop them up and fold them into the dough. Each nut gives a unique flavor and texture. If cherries are not your favorite, you can swap them out. Diced strawberries or raspberries work well. They add a fruity burst without losing the cookie dough feel. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots also fit nicely. Just make sure they are chopped small to mix well. You can make these bars gluten-free easily. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread. These changes will still keep your bars tasty and chewy. You won't miss out on flavor or texture. For the complete experience, check the Full Recipe above! To keep your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These bars stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To freeze your bars, first, allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, pull them from the freezer. Leave them at room temperature for about an hour to thaw. For the best taste, reheat your bars before eating. Just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make them warm and gooey, enhancing the chocolate and cherry flavors. You can also use an oven at 350°F for about five minutes if you prefer. Enjoy the deliciousness! You can tell when the cookie bars are done by looking at the edges. They should turn golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. This means you have a soft and chewy texture inside. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They stay fresh for several days. Just cover them well and keep them at room temperature. You can also make the dough and chill it in the fridge. Bake them later when you want a warm treat. If you want a different flavor, you can use fresh cherries instead. Just pit and chop them well. Dried cherries or cranberries also work. They add a nice chewiness and tartness to the bars. You can switch up the nuts or chocolate types. Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You can also mix in different fruits to find your favorite combo. You can find the full recipe for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars in this article. It includes all the ingredients and easy steps to make them. In this blog post, we explored the tasty world of Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars. We looked at key ingredients and why quality matters. The step-by-step guide helped you prepare and bake like a pro. You learned tips to avoid mistakes and ways to enhance flavor. We also discussed fun variations and storage tips. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe. Happy baking!

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Satisfy your sweet cravings with these irresistible Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars! This simple recipe combines creamy butter, chocolate chips, and juicy maraschino cherries for a delicious treat. Perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself, these bars are quick to make and sure to please everyone. Click through to discover how to whip up these delightful dessert bars today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup maraschino cherries, well-drained and finely chopped

½ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.

    In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.

      Incorporate the vanilla extract and add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully combined and the batter is smooth.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually combine this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your bars.

          Carefully fold in the chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and nuts (if using) until they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.

            Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, spread it out evenly to ensure uniform thickness.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.

                Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After cooling slightly, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling.

                  Once cooled, slice the bars into squares and serve. Indulge in your delightful Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 16 squares