Christmas Cherry Bars

 

🎄 Christmas Cherry Bars: A Classic Holiday Treat That Steals the Show 🍒

When the holidays roll around, there are a few must-have flavors that truly taste like Christmas — cinnamon, peppermint, gingerbread… and of course, cherries. These Christmas Cherry Bars have been a beloved part of our holiday spread for as long as I can remember. They’re bright, buttery, and sweet with just the right pop of tartness — a perfect balance wrapped up in festive red and white.

Whether you're baking for a cookie swap, filling a dessert platter, or looking for a beautiful, bake-and-share treat, these bars are an easy crowd-pleaser that feels nostalgic and a little bit magical.

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🍒 What Are Christmas Cherry Bars?

Imagine a soft, buttery almond-scented cookie base, spread with vibrant cherry pie filling, then topped with dollops of more golden dough and drizzled with a simple almond glaze. The result? A colorful traybake-style dessert that's as pretty as it is delicious.

They’re easy to slice into neat little squares or bars, making them ideal for holiday gifting or serving to a crowd.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love Them

• Festive & beautiful – those pops of red make any cookie tray shine

• Simple ingredients – nothing fancy or hard to find

• Perfect for sharing – sturdy enough for gift boxes and platters

• Make-ahead friendly – bake now, serve later

• Classic flavor – buttery, fruity, and gently sweet

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🧁 The Basic Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• All-purpose flour

• Almond extract (the secret flavor bomb!)

• Cherry pie filling

• Powdered sugar (for the glaze)

• Milk or cream (to thin the glaze)

Optional: Add a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top before baking for an extra festive touch!

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👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars

• Use parchment paper: For easy removal and clean slices.

• Don’t overbake: The edges should be golden, but the center soft.

• Cool completely before glazing to avoid a runny mess.

• Double the batch: These go FAST — and freeze beautifully.

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🎁 Holiday Tradition in Every Bite

There’s something about these cherry bars that feels like home. Maybe it’s the familiar flavor, maybe it’s how easy they are to share, or maybe it’s just the joy of baking something beautiful that brings smiles to everyone who tries them. They're a little old-fashioned, in the best possible way — a reminder that the holidays are about slowing down, making something sweet, and sharing it with the people you love.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re continuing a cherished tradition or starting a new one, these Christmas Cherry Bars deserve a spot in your holiday baking lineup. They’re festive, flavorful, and made to be shared — the kind of treat that disappears as quickly as they’re served.

So turn on the carols, preheat the oven, and get ready to make something truly merry and bright. 🎶🍒✨