Christmas Cherry Bars (Print-Friendly Version)

Rich buttery bars layered with cherries and glaze, capturing sweet holiday flavors in every bite.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Bar Base and Filling

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 4 large eggs, at room temperature
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
07 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 2 cans cherry pie filling (21 ounces each)

→ Glaze

09 - 1 cup confectioners' sugar
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
12 - 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 15x10-inch sheet pan with baking spray.
02 - Using an electric mixer, cream butter, granulated sugar, and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually incorporate flour until dough forms.
03 - Press 3 cups of dough evenly onto the bottom of prepared pan. Spread cherry pie filling in a uniform layer over dough. Drop spoonfuls of remaining dough over filling.
04 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
05 - Whisk together confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth.
06 - Drizzle glaze evenly over cooled bars before slicing and serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Allow bars to cool fully before glazing to achieve a smooth, even finish.