Sweet, chewy cookie bars bursting with chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries—perfect for dessert tables or retro baking fans.

Unsalted butter (melted or softened)

Granulated sugar

Brown sugar

Eggs

Vanilla extract

All-purpose flour

Baking powder and/or baking soda

Salt

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

Maraschino cherries, drained, chopped, and patted dry

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

Beat in eggs and vanilla until creamy.

Stir in flour, baking powder/soda, and salt just until combined.

Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.

Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 30–45 minutes, until top is set and edges are golden.

Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Add ½ tsp almond extract to enhance cherry flavor.

Use 1–2 cups cherries depending on desired intensity.

Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Add an extra egg yolk and reduce leaveners for fudgier bars.

Swap semi-sweet chips with white chocolate for a sweeter flavor.