Christmas Cherry Bars are the kind of festive dessert that instantly makes a kitchen feel warm, cozy, and ready for celebration. With a buttery shortbread-style crust, bursts of tart cherries, and pockets of creamy white chocolate, these bars strike the perfect balance between rich and refreshing. Every bite delivers a soft, crumbly texture with just enough sweetness to feel indulgent without being overwhelming, making them ideal for holiday dessert tables and cookie exchanges.
If you’re searching for easy dinner ideas that end on a sweet note, affordable meals that include a homemade dessert, or simple family recipes that feel special, this recipe checks every box. These bars come together with everyday pantry ingredients, making them a stress-free choice for healthy cooking at home during the busiest time of year. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or preparing quick weeknight recipes with a festive twist, Christmas Cherry Bars are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Easy holiday dessert recipe with simple, budget-friendly ingredients
• Perfect make-ahead treat for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings
• Soft, buttery texture with a bright cherry flavor everyone loves
• Beginner-friendly baking recipe with no complicated steps
• Ideal for meal prep recipes and holiday dessert trays
• Family-approved dessert that feels festive without being overly sweet
Ingredient Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour – This forms the foundation of the bars, creating a tender yet sturdy shortbread base that holds the filling beautifully.
Granulated Sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness while helping the crust bake up lightly crisp around the edges.
Unsalted Butter – Cold butter is essential for that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines classic holiday bars.
Baking Powder – Provides a subtle lift so the bars stay soft and delicate instead of dense.
Salt – A small amount enhances sweetness and balances the rich butter and chocolate flavors.
Egg Yolk – Adds richness and binds the dough without making it tough, keeping the texture soft.
Vanilla Extract – Brings warmth and depth to the crust, enhancing all the other flavors.
Almond Extract – A classic pairing with cherries, giving these bars a bakery-style holiday aroma.
Dried Tart Cherries – Provide a bright, tangy contrast to the buttery crust and sweet chocolate.
White Chocolate Chips – Add creamy sweetness that melts into the cherry layer for irresistible flavor.
Pro Tips
Always use cold butter when making the dough to achieve a crumbly shortbread texture that bakes evenly.
Pre-bake the crust slightly before adding the cherry layer to prevent sogginess and ensure clean slices.
Don’t overwork the dough—mix just until it holds together for tender results.
Chop dried cherries evenly so every bite has balanced flavor and texture.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for neat, bakery-style squares.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
For a richer flavor, swap white chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate.
Use dried cranberries instead of cherries for a classic holiday variation.
Make this recipe gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Add sliced almonds or pistachios for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Boost flavor with a touch of orange zest for a bright holiday twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Christmas Cherry Bars on a festive dessert platter alongside sugar cookies, shortbread, and fudge for a stunning holiday spread. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, making them perfect for cozy evenings or holiday brunch. For parties, lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving to give them a snowy, elegant finish. These bars also travel well, making them one of the best easy party food ideas for potlucks and gift boxes.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
These bars are ideal for meal prep ideas during the holidays. Bake them up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to two months. To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving. This makes them one of the best freezer meals when you need a quick dessert on hand.
Cultural and Holiday Baking Notes
Shortbread-style bars have long been a staple of American comfort food during the holidays, prized for their simplicity and versatility. Adding cherries and white chocolate gives this traditional base a festive upgrade, blending old-fashioned baking with modern holiday flavors. These bars feel nostalgic yet fresh, making them a perfect example of traditional family meals reimagined as a holiday dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Christmas Cherry Bars ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for making ahead and actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term storage or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the sugar slightly or use dark chocolate for a less sweet option while keeping great flavor.
What substitutions work for allergies?
Use dairy-free butter and chocolate for a dairy-free version or gluten-free flour if needed.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely—simply bake in a larger pan and adjust baking time slightly.
Christmas Cherry Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment.
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
- Cut in chilled butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract until a soft dough forms.
- Reserve one-third of the dough. Press remaining dough into the pan to form the base.
- Bake crust for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Toss cherries and white chocolate chips together, then sprinkle over warm crust.
- Crumble reserved dough over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely, then lift out and cut into bars.
