How to Make Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars at Home

Indulge your sweet tooth with these delightful Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars a perfect mix of buttery shortbread, juicy cherries, and melty chocolate chips. These bars are lightened up to fit into your Weight Watchers plan while still delivering the rich, decadent flavors you crave. They’re perfect for holidays, tea parties, or a guilt-free treat anytime.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted light butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar substitute (like Stevia or Monk Fruit)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (preferably sugar-free)
• 1/3 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice

Instructions

Prep Work

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Make the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the light butter and sugar substitute together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and maraschino cherry juice, and mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Form and Bake

1. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or your hands.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as the shortbread should remain tender.

Cool and Slice

1. Allow the shortbread to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift it out of the pan.
2. Cut into 16 equal bars and serve.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~90
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• WW Points: ~3 (using sugar-free chocolate chips and a sugar substitute)

Why You’ll Love These Bars

1. Perfect Balance: These bars combine the richness of chocolate chips, the sweetness of cherries, and the buttery crunch of shortbread in every bite.
2. Weight Watchers Friendly: With simple ingredient swaps, you can enjoy these treats without compromising your goals.
3. Festive and Fun: The bright red cherries make these bars a standout addition to any dessert table or holiday spread.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these bars ahead of time and store them for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Tips for Success

• Pat the Cherries Dry: Excess moisture from the maraschino cherries can affect the texture of the shortbread, so make sure to pat them dry before adding to the dough.
• Use a Sharp Knife: When slicing the bars, use a sharp knife for clean cuts, especially around the cherries.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
• Experiment with Toppings: Drizzle the bars with a light chocolate glaze or dust them with powdered sugar for extra flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Tea-Time Treat: Pair these bars with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Dessert Platter: Serve alongside other lightened-up treats like fruit skewers or yogurt parfaits for a crowd-pleasing dessert spread.
• Gift-Worthy: Wrap these bars in parchment paper and tie with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

These Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are proof that you can enjoy a decadent dessert while sticking to your health goals. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate, cherries, and buttery shortbread. Whip up a batch today and savor the sweet indulgence guilt-free!