Name: Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; ½ teaspoon baking powder; Pinch of salt; 1 large egg yolk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup dried tart cherries, roughly chopped; ½ cup white chocolate chips

If you’re anything like me, when the Christmas season rolls around, you want to bring something to the party that’s a little different yet irresistibly festive. That’s where this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe comes in. These bars have the perfect balance of tart cherries and sweet white chocolate nestled in a buttery, tender crumb—trust me, they’re a crowd-pleaser every time! They make a fantastic holiday treat whether you’re serving them at a cozy family gathering or taking them to an office party.

What I really love about this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe is how it combines simple ingredients into something that feels special and homemade without too much fuss. These bars hold up well for gifting and travel, so they’re a go-to when I need a sweet treat quick but still want to impress. Plus, the almond extract adds just the right hint of warmth that says “Christmas” with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work wonderfully together to create a rich, textured bar that’s both chewy and soft. When shopping, look for good-quality dried cherries and fresh butter to really elevate the flavor—and don’t skip the almond extract; it’s subtle but makes a big difference.

All-purpose flour: This creates the perfect sturdy but tender base for your bars.
Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness without overpowering the tartness of cherries.
Unsalted butter: Using chilled and cubed butter helps in achieving a tender texture—make sure it’s cold!
Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift so the bars aren’t too dense.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Large egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Vanilla extract: Brings out deeper flavors and warmth.
Almond extract: Just a touch adds that classic Christmas vibe you want.
Dried tart cherries: I like to roughly chop them so you get bursts of chewy fruitiness in every bite.
White chocolate chips: These melt slightly and add creamy sweetness—don’t substitute with milk chocolate!

Variations

I always encourage you to make this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe your own! I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years and sometimes swap in ingredients or add extras that suit my mood and what I have on hand.

Nut addition: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives a lovely crunch and pairs beautifully with the cherries.
Chocolate swap: I’ve tried dark chocolate chips for a more bittersweet contrast, which is delicious if you prefer less sweet treats.
Gluten-free: Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these bars without compromise.
Fresh cherries: If you find fresh tart cherries in winter (or frozen), lightly chop and drain them well before adding to keep the bars from becoming soggy.

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

Step 1: Mix dry ingredients and incorporate butter

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Then, pop in your chilled, cubed butter. Here’s a trick I’ve learned: use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is critical! It’s what gives these bars that tender yet crumbly texture you want.

Step 2: Add egg yolk and extracts

Next, mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. These enrich the dough and bring out the warm flavors that make this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe so comforting. Make sure the mixture starts to come together but be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if it looks a bit crumbly.

Step 3: Fold in cherries and white chocolate chips

Now, gently fold in those chopped dried tart cherries and white chocolate chips. The cherries add a lovely tart bite that balances the sweet white chocolate, and together they create that classic Christmas combo I adore. Be gentle here to avoid breaking up the chips too much.

Step 4: Press and bake

Press this dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan. Make sure the top is smooth and pressed firmly so your bars hold together once baked. Pop it in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Let them cool completely before cutting.

How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

A white cake stand holds a stack of eight square pieces of two-layer cake. Each piece has a thick, light golden base layer topped with a bright red layer of berry filling, which is slightly uneven and glossy. A thin drizzle of white icing zigzags thinly on top of the red layer and the edges of the cake. The background features a white marbled surface and a white tiled wall, with a striped white and grey cloth under the cake stand. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to dust these bars lightly with powdered sugar for a festive touch—it looks like fresh snow! You can also drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the top for extra flair if you’re feeling fancy. Fresh mint leaves nearby make a pretty and aromatic garnish too.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea—it’s like the perfect little Christmas afternoon treat. For a holiday brunch, serve alongside some creamy yogurt and fresh fruit for balance. They’re also fantastic on a dessert platter with other holiday cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to cut the bars into mini squares and serve them on a festive tray lined with doilies. Sometimes I’ve stacked them with a small dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top for a bite-sized dessert that looks impressive and tastes incredible. Wrapping individual squares in colorful parchment makes for great edible gifts too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Keeping them in a single layer prevents them from sticking together—and if your kitchen is warm, a cool spot will keep the white chocolate from melting.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Whenever I pull some out, I let them thaw at room temperature before serving. It’s a great way to have holiday treats ready ahead of time without hassle.

Reheating

If you want to warm a bar, just pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The white chocolate gets slightly melty, which I find absolutely delicious. Just be careful not to overheat, or the texture can get gummy. For a fresh-baked vibe, you can also warm in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried for the Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe?

You can definitely try fresh cherries, but they release more moisture, which might make the bars a bit soggy. If using fresh cherries, remove pits and chop finely, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid. Adding a bit more flour might help balance the extra moisture as well.
What can I substitute for white chocolate chips?

If you don’t have white chocolate chips, you can use chopped white chocolate bars or even semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that white chocolate is sweeter and creamier, so the taste will differ slightly but still be delicious.
How do I ensure the bars don’t fall apart when cutting?

Make sure the bars are completely cooled before slicing—warm bars tend to crumble more. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges. Pressing the dough firmly into the pan before baking also helps everything stay together.
Can I make these bars ahead of time for a holiday party?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay moist and flavorful. Freezing also works well if you want to prepare way ahead and thaw before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking because it’s both nostalgic and uniquely festive. Every time I share it with friends or family, it sparks joy and always invites requests for seconds. I hope you’ll find it as comforting and delicious as I do and that it becomes a new staple in your Christmas baking rotation. So why not give it a try today and bring some sweet, cherry-filled cheer to your holiday table?