Cherry Chocolate Bar Cookies

These totally delicious bar cookies are a great treat to serve for dessert, add to a festive lunchbox meal or take to the Christmas Cookie Exchange party. They are quite rich in flavor and therefore can be cut into smaller pieces to make a larger batch. I am huge believer in everything being better with cherries on top!

• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup coconut flakes
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup candied cherries
• Parchment paper (optional)

Parchment Paper – This is the BEST way to line baking pans and dishes. It is great for pouring melted candy too.

I love this recipe because it is pretty dang simple. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.

Melt the butter. This can be done in a large glass bowl that will have room for the crumbs. Once the butter is melted, add the crushed crumbs.

Step Two

Spread the mixture into the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch baking pan, pressing it flat. It works great to add parchment paper first but is not necessary. I like to do this because it makes getting the cookie bars out so much easier than using a spatula. It also helps keep them pretty and lessens crumbling.

Step Three

Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crumb mixture, creating an even coat over the entire pan.

Step Four

Sprinkle coconut and chocolate chips evenly across the baking pan on top of the condensed milk layer.

Top the chocolate cherry cookie bars with candied cherries. These can be whole, halved or chopped up.

Step Six

Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden browned. Cool for at least an hour, then cut into bars. For the prettiest bars, cool in the refrigerator and use a sharp, clean knife. It helps to wipe the knife between cuts too.

If you like this cookie bar recipe, you might also love this one for no bake cereal bars with cherries.

Too busy to make this right away?! Pin it for later! Pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.

I would really love to hear what you think about this yummy recipe! If you try it out, I would sure like to see it! Share on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest!

XO,

Laura