Cherry Chocolate Chip Bars

I love the combination of chocolate and cherry together, so these bars just had to happen. I soaked the dried cherries in maraschino cherry juice to plump them up just a bit and give a little extra punch of flavor.  They are so perfect with the semi sweet chocolate in this chewy bar cookie.  You can leave the top naked, or top with a little drizzle of chocolate cherry frosting.  Either way they are irresistible!  Adapted from this recipe.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Bars

1/2 cup dried cherries
2 Tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
6 Tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup + 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chocolate frosting (if desired)
1/8 teaspoon cherry extract (if desired)

Place the dried cherries in a small bowl.  Heat the cherry juice in the microwave until boiling.  Pour the cherry juice over the dried cherries.  Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then drain out the juice, reserving the cherries.

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Line an 8x8 inch square pan with foil.  Lightly grease the foil.

Place the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl and stir together until smooth.  Stir in the egg and vanilla until incorporated.  Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir until just combined.  Stir in the cherries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.  Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.  Remove the bars from the oven and let cool.

If desired, stir together the chocolate frosting and cherry extract.  Warm the frosting very slightly until a drizzle consistency.  Drizzle the warm frosting over the cooled bars.  Makes 16 bars.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy