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Maraschino Cherry Bars

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This recipe for Maraschino Bars is so simple, but so tasty. They are loaded with juicy cherries, and the cherry glaze makes them simply irresistible!

stack of maraschino cherry bars on a vintage plateEasy Maraschino Cherry Bars

Here is another recipe that made it onto my Christmas plates of goodies this year. I love these cherry bars because not only are they super easy to make, but they add a great splash of color to cookie trays. And I am a fan of just about anything with almond extract in it!

These bars are an adaptation on my Jan Hagel cookies. My mom and I did some experimenting when I was in high school and added cherries instead of cinnamon sugar. After making a test batch, we decided they would be even better with a bit of glaze. Maraschino cherry bars were born!

maraschino cherry bars on a white tray

Aren’t they just so pretty with those bits of juicy cherries peeking out? They are perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and even bridal and baby showers.

close up of maraschino cherry bar

How to you make maraschino cherry bars?

You won’t believe how easy these are to make! They are actually a great recipe for beginning bakers, because you can’t really mess them up.

I like to start by chopping up all my cherries, then setting them aside.

Next you cream your butter and sugar. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Then just stir in the flour, salt, and chopped cherries.

After the dough chills for a little bit, you press it into a large cookie sheet with sides. This is actually the most difficult step. I like to wet my hands down occasionally so the dough doesn’t stick to them.

Bake the bars at 350° for about 15 minutes. After they cool, you drizzle them with a simple glaze.

easy maraschino cherry bars with cherry glaze

Do I have to use almond extract in my cherry bars?

Of course I cannot force you to use almond extract, but it makes a HUGE difference in the flavor of the bars. You can leave it out or use extra vanilla, but they will not be the same. If you’re worried about nut allergies, use imitation almond extract, or make your own almond extract in a pressure cooker.

sugar cookie bars with maraschino cherries and glaze

Chewy, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these cherry bars are hard to stop eating!

maraschino cherry bars recipe collage

Cherry Bars

Yield: 3 dozen

Maraschino Cherry Bars

Maraschino Cherry Bars

Soft buttery bars filled with juicy maraschino cherries, and drizzled with cherry glaze.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 3 minutes

Ingredients

Cherry Bars

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tsp maraschino cherry juice (approximately)

Instructions

  1. Cream sugar and butter in a mixing bowl till smooth and creamy.
  2. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Stir in flour and salt, then cherries. 
  3. Chill for at least 30 minutes or until no longer sticky. Pat dough into a lightly greased 15" x 10" jelly roll pan. I periodically dip my hands in water so the dough doesn't stick to them.
  4. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes. Cool completely and drizzle with glaze. 
  5. To make glaze, combine powdered sugar and enough cherry juice till you get the right consistency.

Notes

Make sure you chill the dough at least a little bit, or you will make a sticky mess trying to spread it in the pan.

Soft buttery bars filled with juicy maraschino cherries, and drizzled with cherry glaze. #maraschinocherrybars
(Recipe originally posted 12/12/2010. Updated 11/2018.) 

Looking for more tasty recipes using maraschino cherries? Check these out:

Heavenly Blueberry Cherry Muffins
White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Cherry Almond Mousse Pie
Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. So pretty! It’s funny how I really don’t like maraschino cherries on their own but in a recipe like this, they are delicious.

    Reply

  7. I made these for all my boys and husband’s home teaching families tonight. They were yummy. Actually my boys made them, I just drizzled them when they were done.

    Reply

  8. Those bars look so delicious! I do have a question about the almond extract. I allergic to almonds, but was hoping to make these bars (or other desserts) with vanilla extract instead. I don’t think they sell imitation almond extract either. Would using vanilla extract (imitation or pure) be a problem other than changing the taste?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Christine,
      You can substitute vanilla extract for almond in just about any baked good. However, almond extract has a much more pronounced flavor, so using vanilla will result in a more bland flavor.
      They actually do make imitation almond flavoring. I grew up with it, so I sometimes prefer it to the real stuff. And it costs a lot less too! Hope that helps. 🙂

      Reply

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