Cherry-Fig Delight Bars: Sweet & Chewy Treats

Cherry-Fig Bars: A Delightful Treat for Any Occasion 🍒🌟

This unique bar cookie recipe, straight from the Land O’ Lakes Cookie Collection, combines the sweet richness of figs with the juicy brightness of maraschino cherries. Perfect for brunch or as a dessert, these Cherry-Fig Bars are a delightful treat that come together effortlessly. Let’s dive into the details and bring this delicious creation to life!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided 🍚
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 2 large eggs 🥚
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 🥄
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
• 1 cup chopped dried figs 🌰
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped 🍒
• 1 cup additional granulated sugar for sprinkling 🍚

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Begin by setting your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature ensures a golden and evenly baked bar, perfect for achieving that delightful texture we all crave. 🔥

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2. Prepare the Dough:
   In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together at a slow speed for about 2 to 3 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure an even mixture. The dough should be smooth and creamy with a lovely aroma of vanilla and butter. 🥄

3. Incorporate the Fruits:
   Stir in the chopped dried figs and maraschino cherries. The figs add a wonderful chewiness, while the cherries offer a burst of sweetness that complements the figs beautifully. Mix gently until the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the dough. 🍒

4. Prepare the Baking Pan:
   Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan. This step is crucial to prevent the bars from sticking and to ensure easy removal once they are baked. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon. 🧈

5. Add the Sugar Topping:
   Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the dough. This will create a sweet, slightly crisp topping that enhances the flavor of the bars. 🍚

6. Bake to Perfection:
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 30 minutes. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so start checking around 22 minutes. The bars are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. ⏲️

7. Cool and Cut:
   Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for the bars to set properly. Once cooled, cut into 12 even squares. 🍽️

These Cherry-Fig Bars are a delightful combination of sweet and slightly tangy flavors with a chewy texture that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or enjoying them with a cup of tea, they are bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy every bite of this delicious treat from “Love With Recipes”! 🌟🍒