Sharing one of our favorite cookie bar recipes today! These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing treat to bring to family and friends.
Cookie Bar Recipes
Cookie bars are one of my go-to recipes because they’re simple and versatile. I found cherry-flavored baking morsels that make these bars stand out—soft with a buttery-crisp edge and a delightful cherries-and-cream flavor. They’re perfect wrapped in a small bakery box and tied with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift. If you can’t find cherry chips, swap in your favorite chocolate or dried cherries.
For another variation, try a malted chocolate chip cookie bar. Follow Picky Palate on Instagram for daily recipe ideas and inspiration.
I discovered cherry-flavored baking chips at a local grocery store; they can be hard to track down but are worth hunting for when you want a festive treat. If they’re unavailable, white chocolate chips with dried cherries, or any chip you prefer, will work nicely.
Start by creaming your butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer.
How To Make Cookie Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in the white chocolate chips and cherry-flavored chips (or your chosen substitute). Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Add the egg and vanilla, then mix in the dry ingredients.
Combine dry ingredients gently—overmixing will make the bars tough.
White chocolate chips add the creamy component to balance the cherry flavor.
Fold in the cherry chips—such a lovely pop of color and flavor.
What Can I Substitute Cherry Chips With?
If cherry chips aren’t available, you can use dried cherries from the snack aisle, or swap in any favorite chip flavor—semisweet or milk chocolate, butterscotch, toffee, or mint chips all work well. Choose what you have on hand or what suits your taste.
Mix until the chips are evenly distributed—almost ready for the pan!
Press the dough into the lined 8×8-inch pan for even thickness.
Bake for 25–35 minutes until golden and set.
Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing into squares to preserve their texture.
Tips For Making The Best Cookie Bars
- Follow the recipe measurements for best results; substitutions are fine for chips, but keep other proportions the same.
- For firmer bars, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Use real butter (not margarine)—salted butter works particularly well for cookie bars.
- Cream the butter and sugars for about 2 minutes to incorporate air and help create a tender, chewy texture.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweet-and-salty contrast.
- Don’t overbake. Bars continue to set as they cool on the hot pan.
- Let bars cool completely before cutting to keep clean edges and the right texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherry flavored chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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Cream the butter and sugars, add the egg and vanilla, then gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in the white and cherry chips. Press the dough into the prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool completely, then cut into squares to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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